Lot 63
PUNU-LUMBO HOOK, MUSWINGA
GABON, 19TH CENTURY TO EARLY 20TH CENTURY
Auction: 8 June 2022 at 14:00 BST
Description
carved wood, the figure shown with long hair, recessed eyes formed into arches, broad nose and slender jaw, wearing a cowrie shell necklace symbolising supernatural power, the lithe torso with lean arms reaching to the knees, the legs forming into a loop for suspension, with a reddish patina, raised on a bespoke mount
Dimensions
11cm tall
Footnote
Provenance:
Private collection, Paris, France
Yann Ferrandin, Paris
Private collection, London, United Kingdom, acquired from the above 2009
Note:
Small hook figures such as the present example were carved and carried to protect the wearer from adverse magic. The present example can be closely compared in the treatment of the face and tuumba headdress with the charm originally in the possession of Dr. Paul Chadourne and sold at Sotheby's New York on the 11th May 2012 (lot 173).