Thursday February 1st 2024
Online Catalogue LXXXV
FEBRUARY issue
WHO WE ARE The Tribal Art Society features an online catalogue every month listing quality works of Asian art that have been thoroughly vetted by our select members, who are the in-house experts. By bringing together a group of trusted dealers specializing in Tribal art, our platform offers a unique collection of works of art that collectors will not find anywhere else online. To ensure the highest standards, gallery membership is by invitation only and determined by a selection committee.
/TribalArtSociety Cover Image: Atoni mask. Presented by Thomas Murray on p. 8
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FEBRUARY ARTWORKS
Pieces are published and changed each month. The objects are presented with a full description and corresponding dealer’s contact information. Unlike auction sites or other platforms, we empower collectors to interact directly with the member dealers for enquiries and purchases by clicking on the e-mail adress. In order to guarantee the quality of pieces available in the catalogues, objects are systematically validated by all our select mebers, who are the inhouse experts. Collectors are therefore encouraged to decide and buy with complete confidence. In addition to this, the Tribal Art Society proposes a seven-day full money back return policy should the buyer not feel totally satisfied with a purchase. Feel free to ask the price if the artwork is listed with a price on request.
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01
Admiralty ladle fishes
Food ladle Admiralty Islands, Bismarck Archipelago, P.N.G., Melanesia 19th century Coconut shell, wood (alstonia), pigments, and puttynut (Parinarium) 33 cm x 12,2 cm Provenance: Steinmann, a German medical doctor who served in German New-Guinea between 1880 & 1890 Price on request
Object Presented by: Anthony J.P. Meyer T.: +33 (0) 6 80 10 80 22 E.: ajpmeyer@gmail.com W. : www.meyeroceanic.art
A very fine ceremonial food ladle decorated with two large fish carved free-standing from a cross-bar. Ornate ladles were used by men of importance and quite possibly the decoration of the handle is linked to the status of the man in the hierarchy of initiated men the tribe or in a Secret Society. Most ladles have geometric handles – figurative or zoomorphic examples are rare. Ref.: Neverman, Dr. Hans. ADMIRALITATS-INSELN, ERGEBNISSE DER SUDSEE-EXPEDITION 19081910. Hamburg, Friederichsen, de Gruyter & Co. 1934. Ohnemus, Sylvia: AN ETHNOLOGY OF THE ADMIRALTY ISLANDS, The Alfred Bühler Collection, Museum der Kulturen, Basel, Crawford House Publishing, Bathurst, 1998. This piece is part of our exhibition ZOOMORPHES curated and designed by our team of students from the IESA school. 1 Feb. - 31 Mar. 2024 in the gallery.
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Atoni mask
Mask Atoni West Timor Early 20th century Wood, pigment traces Height: 21 cm Provenance: Ogawa collection Price:
SOLD
Object Presented by: Thomas Murray M.: + 1 415.378.0716 E.: thomas@tmurrayarts.com W. : www.tmurrayarts.com
This mask captures the ‘joker’ archetype, a universal iconography. Masks on Timor were documented to be used in funerary rites and it is a reasonable inference that this mask expresses a ‘laughing at death’ iconography.
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ATTIE FIGURE
Figure Ivory Coast Hieght: 27,5 cm Provenance: Private belgian collection Price
SOLD
Object Presented by: Olivier Castellano M.: +33 6 11 21 25 22 E.: info@oliviercastellano.com w. : www.oliviercastellano.com
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AUSTRAL ISLANDS PADDLE
Ceremonial paddle Austral Islands, Polynesia First half of the 19th century Carved wood Height: 97 cm Provenance: Keith Gormley Evesham, Worcester Edric van Vredenburgh, Brussels TAS exclusive price: 7.500 euros
Object Presented by: Julien Flak M.: +33 6 84 52 81 36 E.: contact@galerieflak.com W. : www.galerieflak.com
Neither Polynesian oral tradition nor travel narratives relate information on either functional or ritual use of this type of Austral Islands paddle. It is nevertheless probable that they were designed as emblems of status and intended for ceremonial use. These paddles are distinguished by the elegance of their decoration and their purity of form – constituting veritable lace-making out of wood. This ceremonial paddle from Austral Islands will be part of our selection of ancient arts of Oceania at BRAFA, 28 January – 4 February 2024.
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Bateba Sculpture
Sculpture Lobi Burkina Faso Early 20th century or earlier Wood Height: 70 cm Provenance: Private collection, Nice-Monaco (acquired in situ in the 1960s) Price on request
Object Presented by: David Serra T.: +34 (0) 667525597 E.: galeria@davidserra.es W. : www.davidserra.es
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Dan mask
Miniature mask Ma go Dan Liberia/Ivory Coast Wood, resin/wax, fiber shell, encrusted patina cowrie/cauri (cyprea moneta) Height: 11 cm Provenance: Private collection, NYC Price:
SOLD
Object Presented by: Mark Eglinton M.: +1 646-675-7150 E.: markeglinton@icloud.com IG: @markeglintontribalart
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Deep Scoop Ladle
Ladle Native American, Pacific Northwest Coast Wood 19th/ very early 20th century Provenance: Klaus Werner Length: 36 cm Price: 3.500 USD
Object Presented by: Thomas Murray M.: + 1 415.378.0716 E.: thomas@tmurrayarts.com W. : www.tmurrayarts.com
The beauty of this well-used ladle aligns with the Japanese sense of wabi-sabi… an aesthetic and spiritual philosophy.
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DUCK TOGGLE
Handle Late Punuk to early Thule Saint Lawrence Island (?), Bering Strait, Alaska 1000 - 1500 AD Mineralized walrus tusk (Odobenus rosmarus divergens). Height: 5,2 cm Price on request
Object Presented by: Anthony J.P. Meyer T.: +33 (0) 6 80 10 80 22 E.: ajpmeyer@gmail.com W. : www.meyeroceanic.art
A magnificently carved duck which was once part of a drag handle or toggle. The bird is superbly rendered with a natural grace and regal attitude. The eyes are deeply drilled and were originally inset with baleen. Ducks other than the stylized versions represented in the aviform gaming pieces are rarely represented by the early Eskimo. This piece is part of our exhibition ZOOMORPHES curated and designed by our team of students from the IESA school. 1 Feb. - 31 Mar. 2024 in the gallery.
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09
Fogao, dröghija Coconut Grater with Mythical Beast
Nias, Indonesia 19th/ early 20th century Wood, metal 24 cm x 55 cm Price: 2.500 USD
Object Presented by: Thomas Murray M.: + 1 415.378.0716 E.: thomas@tmurrayarts.com W. : www.tmurrayarts.com
Fogao, or dröghija, were used as stools to sit upon while scraping out the inside of the coconut, the flesh later squeezed to make coconut milk for cooking. The zoomorphic creature is probably a depiction of a lasara dragon. Note early local repair to crack at neck fastened with wire.
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10 IBEJI
Female statuette Yoruba Nigeria 20th century Wood with patina of use Height: 28,3 cm Price: 950 euros
The body is realistic. The hands are placed on the upper thighs. She wears two ankle bracelets, a belt and a pearl necklace. Scarifications adorn the cheeks and belly. The Ibeji statuettes represent twins, considered by the Yorubas to be endowed with supernatural powers beneficial to their families. When one of the twins dies, a statuette representing him is made; the Ibeji figurine is the receptacle of the soul of the deceased twin and is given the same care as his living brother: fed, washed, and coated with cam powder that leaves a thick red ochre patina. In the same way, when the two twins die, it is necessary to make two statuettes so that their minds can bring benefits and prosperity to their families. The Ibeji are always represented as adults and there are many variants depending on the region and the production workshop.
Object Presented by: Laurent Dodier M.: + 33 6 08 22 68 15 E.: laurentdodier@wanadoo.fr w. : www.laurentdodier.com
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11 Idol
Figure Burkina Faso/Ghana 13th century - 15th century Terracotta Height: 11 cm Dating Thermoluminescence QED Laboratoire Ref. QED2342/EA-0221 Price 1.800 euros
Object Presented by: David Serra T.: +34 (0) 667525597 E.: galeria@davidserra.es W. : www.davidserra.es
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Kabeja figure
Anthropomorphic double standing male and female figure Hemba D.R. of the Congo (Congo Kinshasa)/ Southeastern Congo region Wood, pigments amd leather Height: 26,7 cm Provenance: Frieda (1921-2008) & Milton (1914-2005) Rosenthal, USA, 2008 Laure-Marie (1927-2017) & Daniel P. (1925-2019) +USA By descent seller 2023 Sotheby's, New York, "Collection Frieda and Milton Rosenthal", 14 November 2008. Lot 61 Price on request
Object Presented by: Mark Eglinton M.: +1 646-675-7150 E.: markeglinton@icloud.com IG: @markeglintontribalart
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KACHINA DOLL
Hemis Katsina – New Corn Kachina doll Hopi Arizona, USA Circa 1900s-1920s Carved wood (cottonwood root) & pigments Height: 19,5 cm Provenance: Private collection, Massachusetts Galerie Flak, Paris Private collection, France Price on request (BRAFA 2024)
Object Presented by: Julien Flak M.: +33 6 84 52 81 36 E.: contact@galerieflak.com W. : www.galerieflak.com
This doll represents the New Corn kachina or Hemis Katsina. In the Hopi pantheon, this spirit is particularly important. It represents ripening corn. It is a prayer for moisture and rain which will help corn shoots grow in the season. Hemis Kachina is a key figure of the Niman (or Home-Going) Ceremony celebrating the departure of the Kachina spirits and deities from the Hopi villages - the Kachinas will return 6 months later for the start of a new ceremonial season. Hemis is one of the most beautiful kachinas. Its many symbols are associated with the desire for rain. This kachina doll from Arizona will be part of our thematic exhibition “Katsina calling” at BRAFA, 28 January – 4 February 2024.
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KACHINA DOLL
Hahai-i-Wuhti Katsina – Mother of the Kachina dolls Hopi Arizona, USA Circa 1900s-1910s Carved wood (cottonwood root) & pigments, fiber Height: 17 cm Provenance: Galerie Flak, Paris Private collection, France Price on request (BRAFA 2024)
Object Presented by: Julien Flak M.: +33 6 84 52 81 36 E.: contact@galerieflak.com W. : www.galerieflak.com
The kachina figure here is called Hahai-i Wuhti. She is said to be the Mother of the Katsinam. She is sometimes also referred to as "she who brings (or pours) water." During her appearances and dances, Hahai-i Wuhti constantly speaks to explain to the people how to behave and what they may have done wrong. She is also the Mother of Nataska (the Ogres) and the Mother of Dogs. Other kachinas are also called mothers, as are all women of the same generation within a particular clan. Hahai-i Wuhti appears in various ceremonies, accompanying other Chief Kachinas. This includes the Shalako dance and the Water Serpent dance. This kachina doll from Arizona will be part of our thematic exhibition “Katsina calling” at BRAFA, 28 January – 4 February 2024.
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Kulango spoon
Spoon Kulango Ivory Coast Early to mid 20th century Wood Height: 35,5 cm Provenance: Private collection, Spain Price: 3.500 euros
Object Presented by: David Serra T.: +34 (0) 667525597 E.: galeria@davidserra.es W. : www.davidserra.es
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LULUWA FIGURE
Figure Luluwa D.R. of the Congo Early 20th century Carved wood and pigments Height: 14,2 cm Provenance: Karel Timmermans, field-collected between 1962 and 1965 Sotheby’s, Paris, 5 dec. 2006, lot 125 Laure-Marie and Daniel P. Biebuyck, USA By descent Price on request
With its refined naturalism, harmonious proportions and intricate scarification patterns, this miniature sculpture epitomizes the essence of the Luluwa concept of beauty. Luluwa figures embody ancestral spirits, bestowing upon their devotee’s protection, good fortune, and beauty. Constantine Petridis notes in Context en morfologie van de plastische kunst bij de Luluwa (ZuidCentraal Zaire)", Ghent University, 1997 that “the special attention paid to beauty [...] is called Chiluba bwimpe which recognizes physical perfection as a sign of moral integrity, thus combining Western notions of beauty and goodness. The emphasis was on cultural or "human" beauty, that is, man-made beauty. Scarification was one of the fundamental expressions of this ideal. [...] The notion of beauty/goodness is illustrated by the depiction of the anatomy, scarifications, and other forms of body embellishment. Thus, large heads and high foreheads were considered as a sign of beauty. Idealized beauty was also an invitation for ancestral spirits to come and incarnate in sculptures and use them as intermediaries between the natural and supernatural worlds." This Luluwa figure from DR Congo will be part of our selection of ancient arts of Africa at BRAFA, 28 January – 4 February 2024.
Object Presented by: Julien Flak M.: +33 6 84 52 81 36 E.: contact@galerieflak.com W. : www.galerieflak.com
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Patokka
Hat Toraja Sulawesi, Indonesia Early 20th century Rattan, palm leaves, cotton cloth, cotton pom-poms 12,7 cm x 50,8 cm x 50,8 cm Price: 3500 USD
Object Presented by: Thomas Murray M.: + 1 415.378.0716 E.: thomas@tmurrayarts.com W. : www.tmurrayarts.com
An exceptionally old, rare, and beautiful hat of the Toraja people. Note the elegant geometry and thick patina.
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Solomon coral figure
Figure Olovotu Marovo Lagoon, Roviana Island, Solomon Islands, Melanesia 19/20th century or earlier Coral-rock with a fine patination of age and exposure 68 cm x 22 cm x 23 cm Exhibition: L’ÉCLAT DES OMBRES - L’Art en noir et blanc des îles Salomon, Musée du Quai Branly – Jacques Chirac, 18/11/14 – 01/02/15 Price on request
Object Presented by: Anthony J.P. Meyer T.: +33 (0) 6 80 10 80 22 E.: ajpmeyer@gmail.com W. : www.meyeroceanic.art
A very rare grave marker reportedly known as Vekuveku in the form of a stylized humanoid figure. Certain myths relate Vekuveku to an ancestral flying fox (a large fruit eating bat) which was solicited in times of warfare or for fertility issues. Vekuveku is the who brought fruit and water to the island of Marovo. The zoomorphic head which can represent the canine features of the flying fox is strongly reminiscent of the nguzunguzu canoe prow ornaments and might be related as well to the myth of the dog that taught the people how to build their great war-canoes. This piece is part of our exhibition ZOOMORPHES curated and designed by our team of students from the IESA school. 1 Feb. - 31 Mar. 2024 in the gallery.
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Two dignitaries smoking the pipe represented sitting on two stools
Figures Fon Dahomey / Benin Bronze and wood Height: 22 cm Price: 950 euros
Object Presented by: Laurent Dodier M.: + 33 6 08 22 68 15 E.: laurentdodier@wanadoo.fr w. : www.laurentdodier.com
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TYI WARA
Mask Bamana Sikasso District, Bougouni Region, Mali Circa 1925 Wood, pigments Height: 34 cm Provenance: Donald Tait, Paris Price: 1.600 euros
Object Presented by: Laurent Dodier M.: + 33 6 08 22 68 15 E.: laurentdodier@wanadoo.fr w. : www.laurentdodier.com
Dance bed. In the Bambara language, the name of these cribs is TYI WARA, i.e. "heads of the wild beasts of agricultural work". These antelope masks are the emblems of an initiation society for the execution of field work.
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Vili whistle
Whistle Vili Congo Wood, horn and fiber Height: 16,5 cm Provenance: Claes gallery, Brussels Price on request
Object Presented by: Mark Eglinton M.: +1 646-675-7150 E.: markeglinton@icloud.com IG: @markeglintontribalart
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BAULE carved wooden 'colon' door
Door Baule Nigeria 20th century 118 cm (h.) x 61 cm (w.) Provenance: Dutch sculptor Arthur Spronken Price on request
Object Presented by: Zebregs&Röell +31 6 207 43671 dickie@zebregsroell.com www.zebregsroell.com
Depicted on the door is an English military man on horseback with four Baule soldiers with guns over their shoulders. The Baules worked with a wide array of materials in their art, including: bronze, leather, terracotta, ivory, textiles, copper, stone, carved wood, brass, ceramics and glass. A unique feature of Baule art is striking realism that, unlike most African art, chose to create human images that are based on reality, rather than the divine or spiritual.