Yes it's definitely a songye figure. Age uncertain. Polish marks on raised bits
is good, patina overall less so. If its a fake its at least a good one!

--- In African_Arts@yahoogroups.com, "dleidie" <dleidie@...> wrote:
>
> Hello,
> can someone tell me what tribe and/or country this figure is from ?
> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/African_Arts/photos/album/895015577/pic/list
> Could t be Songye Tribe, Congo ?
> It as breasts, a penis and a pregnant belly.
>
> could this be a figure from the Songye tribe ?
> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/African_Arts/photos/album/1152879814/pic/list
> If not, where could it come from.
> How old is it.
>

I have a large Makonde Statue collection for sale (175 pieces). All pieces can
be viewed here:
http://mekonde.weebly.com/

Asking $25,000 for the whole collection.

All pieces date prior to 1985, and most were carved in the 1960's and 1970's.
Some are signed by the artists who made them. All are carved from wood and
contain natural defects inherent in natural materials, including cracks, splits,
irregularities of color and of heart and sap wood, as well as bark, etc. Some of
the pieces are damaged and a few are missing parts of the original sculpture.
Some of the pieces have been repaired. All of the pieces in the collection, and
the collection as a collection, are sold in "AS-IS" condition with NO guarantee
or warrantee of any kind.


Does anyone have any recommendations what would be the best venue for selling
it?
Thank you!
Kristina

Thank you Ed, now I know.

Joseph Anderson - It´s 39 cm tall.

Kind Regards

Mikael Löwe






--- In African_Arts@yahoogroups.com, Ed Jones <bucit@...> wrote:
>
> It may be (self) helpful to consider relative and known examples of
Baule "blolo" / "blian" carvings available via many resources, and consider
your figure... Especially the facial features and stylized characteristics. 
The "diaper" loin-cloth on yours is rather telling. 
>  
> Ed
>
> From: africamorkarla <morkarla@...>
> To: African_Arts@yahoogroups.com
> Sent: Saturday, October 27, 2012 8:40 AM
> Subject: [African_Arts] Is this a Blolo Blian figure?
>
>  
> Hello.
>
> I bought this Baule figure at an auction this year in Sweden, it was just one
> of about many items from a rather big collection that the former owner had
> collected in Africa in the 1920-1940´s.
>
> At the auction the figure was called Baule sculpture.
>
> I really don´t know anything about Baule figures and the reason I bought
> it was that i liked the expression of the face.
>
> I been searching for information about Baule figures but I haven´t been
> abel to find a similar item.
>
> My question is can this be Blolo Blian figure?
>
>
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/African_Arts/photos/album/1886551390/pic/422350110\
/view
> Kind Regards
>
> Mikael Löwe
>

 

Mikael:

 

You are welcomed.  May I also suggest, as one that sincerely appreciates wood craft, I have a few personal and basic tenets that I consider when it comes to collecting African art forms;;

 

1.  Consider the wood.  Developed and skillful African artists have an affinity for wood.  This means they understand the grain, density, etc and know how to work with it based upon what it is they seek to fashion.  Wood was not simply randomly selected without thought or consideration of the "once living" organism.  This applies for newer market carvings as well as old(er) relics.

2.  Reference and identify.  Become familiar with lines, curves, expressions and peculiarities of a subject tribe or clan's attributions.  This means it is helpful to discover and learn certain societal and cultural "codes" of a subject tribe or clan.  In fact, making comparisons and spanning various time-lines in comparison of similar objects can be (somewhat) helpful when assessing a piece, AND attributing an object's estimated age... Typically (not in every case), there will be obvious evolutionary changes with stylized fashion, size, color / patina, symbols, expressions, hair styles, scarification's, etc.  The point being, one must immerse themselves in some form of research and study.  This would also en tell the purchase of books and balancing what the western world implies against the importance of "black" African experts.  Otherwise, the term "enthusiast" would not apply, or how else should one know?

 

I can tell you that Africans like to touch personal figures as such.. And Blolo Blian (spirit mates) ARE indeed objects with a persona that needed to he led, anointed and cared for.  One should expect to see evidence of oil with a beautiful patina over time -- not a caked up stain, libations or an encrustation on such objects (or costume clothing).  If it were to be condemned, it was destroyed via an affiliated tribal custom.  Additionally, Africans were also not ashamed of the human body, so covering and hiding it is a western/ Euro centrist notion.

 

3.  Determine YOUR personal value.  This is an important step, but I certainly do not consider it the principle one;  do not become swayed or lead my market trends, fashions, popularity or anything else... Especially, assumed "worth".  This market, as with other forms of art is highly subjective.  Because a notoriously "high-end" auction house or dealer displays an item with an auction price of $8500 does not mean much of anything.  The true (rhetorical) question becomes, what is the objects worth or merit to you?  Too many people are swept away and caught up with the "groupie syndrome".  It can become "cliquish", political, and famous names trump and wrestle with pedigree/provenance, as this becomes the ultimate motivation and driver --- not the carvers delineated skills and aesthetic form he invented, or why the object may have been invented.  Who really cares so much, because the perspective has become somewhat chaotic?   

 

Of course, we would all prefer to have the "best" our money can allot us.  There are wonderfully carved newer market pieces with an expressed value just as there are old relics of value.  

Basically, it is your "eye" (predicated upon how you have developed it) that will allow your voice to speak to you.  Then one will be sure about a certain piece and it's value.

 

With sincere hopes, and all the best with future art endeavors.

 

Ed 

 

From: africamorkarla <morkarla@...>
To: African_Arts@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Monday, October 29, 2012 2:41 PM
Subject: [African_Arts] Re: Is this a Blolo Blian figure?

 

Thank you Ed, now I know.

Joseph Anderson - It´s 39 cm tall.

Kind Regards

Mikael Löwe

--- In mailto:African_Arts%40yahoogroups.com, Ed Jones <bucit@...> wrote:
>
> It may be (self) helpful to consider relative and known examples of Baule "blolo" / "blian" carvings available via many resources, and consider your figure... Especially the facial features and stylized characteristics.  The "diaper" loin-cloth on yours is rather telling. 
>  
> Ed
>
> From: africamorkarla <morkarla@...>
> To: mailto:African_Arts%40yahoogroups.com
> Sent: Saturday, October 27, 2012 8:40 AM
> Subject: [African_Arts] Is this a Blolo Blian figure?
>
>  
> Hello.
>
> I bought this Baule figure at an auction this year in Sweden, it was just one
> of about many items from a rather big collection that the former owner had
> collected in Africa in the 1920-1940´s.
>
> At the auction the figure was called Baule sculpture.
>
> I really don´t know anything about Baule figures and the reason I bought
> it was that i liked the expression of the face.
>
> I been searching for information about Baule figures but I haven´t been
> abel to find a similar item.
>
> My question is can this be Blolo Blian figure?
>
> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/African_Arts/photos/album/1886551390/pic/422350110/view
> Kind Regards
>
> Mikael Löwe
>

 

I purchased this mask recently at an auction and I can't seem to find one like
it, wondering if anyone has some insight, any help is appreciated! I've put a
photo under pvl mask, thanks!

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/African_Arts/photos/album/366296514/pic/list

I am new to the group.  Hoping someone can shed some light on two stools that
were wedding gifts to my parents.  They were married in Tsumeb, Namibia (then
South West Africa) in 1960.   What I would like to know about them is what
people made these types of furniture (possibly Ovambo), what wood they might be
made of, and how old they might be (it's not clear if they were newly made when
gifted in 1960).   I will post the photos under Namibian stools in photos.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/African_Arts/photos/album/1628681843/pic/list
Thanks for any help.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/African_Arts/photos/album/366296514/pic/1768432738\
/view

this is listed in group under pvl mask. it was in our home in storage probably
since WW2 when my father came home from Africa, but I have no way to know for
sure. ANy help identifying would be appreciated- also advice if I should put it
in the fire place or drop off at NMAA would also be appreciated. It is about 2
1/2 feet tall 10 inches wide solid piece of wood with bone or ivory eyes.
Richard

I have a Sculpture/figure, this object is older than me but true age is unknown,
at first guesses we believed it to be of African origin.

My father dug this up in a family garden in Guyana 25+ years ago.

The British museum have recently replied confirming our object may well indeed
be of African origin, and is a good example of what may be large goldweight
almost certainly made in Ghana by the Fante or Asante and depicts a chief being
carried in a palanquin surrounded by attendants and musicians. It is similar in
form to other goldweights which show activities such as drumming or trading
which date from 1700-1900 AD.

I do not know its true value but are open to selling it, could you point us in
the right direction or could this be an object in which you would be interested
in? The British Museum have stated their intent on me bringing the object into
them with the possibility of them making me an offer and purchasing it. I would
like to get more than one opinion.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/African_Arts/photos/album/584678089/pic/list

Kind regards

James Harrison Sears

Hello,
your spears are from the northern Congo Region. I bought similiar spears when I
crossed the Congo in 1990. If you have better pictures from the spearheads and
the middle sections maybe I can tell you the tribe.
Sincerely
Armin

--- In African_Arts@yahoogroups.com, "lloydstradingco" <lloydstradingco@...>
wrote:
>
> I recently purchased a large totem pole? Looks african. Also 2 spears. These
items are old. The spears are steel. I have photos.
> Would anybody know anything about these items in album entitled
"EdmundsPictures":
> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/African_Arts/photos/album/2002154068/pic/list
> thanks
> E.Lloyd
>

--- In African_Arts@yahoogroups.com, Lee Rubinstein <leerubinstein@...> wrote:
>
> Given the mask's relative simplicity of form, I would recommend focusing
> your search for comparative examples among masks from southern East Africa
> -- particularly from Tanzania (especially southern) and possibly
> Mozambique.  Such an exploration should yield some fruitful directions for
> identifying masks with similarity of form and stylistic elements.  However,
> given the ambiguity and overlap of attributions of such possibly related
> mask forms, it may difficult to arrive at a specific conclusion regarding
> origin.  Still, that is where I would begin a visual survey while also
> seeking any collection data that might be available (e.g., it would be
> helpful if you are able to identify other materials that may have been
> offered from the same collection as the mask which you acquired).
>
> Lee
>
> On Fri, Nov 2, 2012 at 11:28 PM, PVL <madcya@...> wrote:
>
> > **
> >
> >
> > I purchased this mask recently at an auction and I can't seem to find one
> > like it, wondering if anyone has some insight, any help is appreciated!
> > I've put a photo under pvl mask, thanks!
> >
> > http://groups.yahoo.com/group/African_Arts/photos/album/366296514/pic/list
> >
> >
>Hello, thanks for your reply, I added 2 pictures of items from the same estate,
hoping you would take a look at them and see if they give any more direction or
are related, any help is appreciated!
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/African_Arts/photos/album/366296514/pic/list

I know, Im very shallow:) and thinking he never went anywhere besides basic
training and then Africa, I couldnt imagine he brought it home from some exotic
land. But I appreciate your thoughts and will now follow up on what I can find
about New Guinea or Asiatic art  or just add it on top of the wood pile. It
honestly does not appeal to me, I was just hoping it would to someone!
Rich

--- In African_Arts@yahoogroups.com, Ed Jones <bucit@...> wrote:
>
> What makes you think it is African?   Looks to me as if it may have a "Paupa
New Guinea" (Sepik), or Asiatic appeal...  
>
>
>
> From: kdragt <kdragt@...>
> To: African_Arts@yahoogroups.com
> Sent: Tuesday, November 20, 2012 10:52 AM
> Subject: [African_Arts] please help identifying sculpture
>
>  
>
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/African_Arts/photos/album/366296514/pic/1768432738\
/view
>
> this is listed in group under pvl mask. it was in our home in storage probably
since WW2 when my father came home from Africa, but I have no way to know for
sure. ANy help identifying would be appreciated- also advice if I should put it
in the fire place or drop off at NMAA would also be appreciated. It is about 2
1/2 feet tall 10 inches wide solid piece of wood with bone or ivory eyes.
> Richard
>

Good Day Group:

My husband and I have several pieces that we need some help identifying and
getting specific information on.  The items are submitted on the following link:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/African_Arts/photos/album/1632441943/pic/list

View under photos as - "Harrios African Art".
Any and all information provided will be greatly appreciated!

The 'Female figure' weighs 46 lbs - height 57 1/4"; the 'Couple' weighs 15 lbs -
height 28 1/4"; 'Brass holders' - both weigh one lb each, height 6 1/4";
'Helmet' 8" diameter, weight 5 lbs; Staff with carving on top - 61" length;
Patterned staff - 72" length.

Sincere thanks,
Jocelyn

I think...

Maternity figure...has characteristics of various groups including the Dogon,
but also Niger River Delta populations...
Dogon ancestor couple, Mali
Brass kuduos, Ashanti, Ghana
Helmet...perhaps Dogon?
Staff is Senufo

For my money the nicest items are the kuduos, although the staff is also very
nice!

Lawrence


--- In African_Arts@yahoogroups.com, "Jocelyn" <harriojv@...> wrote:
>
> Good Day Group:
>
> My husband and I have several pieces that we need some help identifying and
getting specific information on.  The items are submitted on the following link:
> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/African_Arts/photos/album/1632441943/pic/list
>
> View under photos as - "Harrios African Art".
> Any and all information provided will be greatly appreciated!
>
> The 'Female figure' weighs 46 lbs - height 57 1/4"; the 'Couple' weighs 15 lbs
- height 28 1/4"; 'Brass holders' - both weigh one lb each, height 6 1/4";
'Helmet' 8" diameter, weight 5 lbs; Staff with carving on top - 61" length;
Patterned staff - 72" length.
>
> Sincere thanks,
> Jocelyn
>

There are various dealers in NYC who would be happy to do it, but it might be
good to get it generally checked first to make sure it's worth the effort - and
probable expense - of getting it professionally valued. That would perhaps be a
task for the inhabitants of this page...just a suggestion. Lawrence

--- In African_Arts@yahoogroups.com, "Adrian.Lesher@..."
<adrian.lesher@...> wrote:
>
> Can anyone recommend a New York area expert for evaluating donated African Art
for tax purposes?
>
> Sent from my HTC smartphone on the Now Network from Sprint!
>

From what I can see this assemblage looks just like a series of Replica
Goldweights produced under a series named ALVA MUSEUM REPLICAS. You can find
quite a a few with a similar figurative style on eBay right now. What catches my
eyes are are the regular sharply demarcated edges of the platform which this
assemblage sits on. Compare this to the figures found in Margaret Plass' AFRICAN
MINIATURES Goldweights of the Ashanti.

--- In African_Arts@yahoogroups.com, GARYGLS2000@... wrote:
>
> Ignore my comment that its not African. I was looking at a different
> object. It is indeed African and its definitely from Ghana, most likely
Ashanti.
> I've seen very large goldweights similar to this one and they're quite
> rare.
>
>
> In a message dated 11/21/2012 12:12:50 A.M. Eastern Standard Time,
> jamo1987@... writes:
>
>
>
>
> I have a Sculpture/figure, this object is older than me but true age is
> unknown, at first guesses we believed it to be of African origin.
>
> My  father dug this up in a family garden in Guyana 25+ years ago.
>
> The  British museum have recently replied confirming our object may well
> indeed be  of African origin, and is a good example of what may be large
> goldweight  almost certainly made in Ghana by the Fante or Asante and depicts
a
> chief  being carried in a palanquin surrounded by attendants and musicians.
> It is  similar in form to other goldweights which show activities such as
> drumming or  trading which date from 1700-1900 AD.
>
> I do not know its true value but  are open to selling it, could you point
> us in the right direction or could  this be an object in which you would be
> interested in? The British Museum have  stated their intent on me bringing
> the object into them with the possibility  of them making me an offer and
> purchasing it. I would like to get more than  one opinion.
>
> _http://groups.yahoo.com/group/African_Arts/photos/album/584678089/pic/list_
>
> (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/African_Arts/photos/album/584678089/pic/list)
>
> Kind  regards
>
> James Harrison Sears
>

This is a shout-out to those of us on this list who may interest themselves in
collecting contemporary traditional Yoruba Ifa tools and objects, and may have
Facebook account: A young man from Oyo, son of the Baale Sango (Shango High
Priest) of Oyo, sadly,  trolls Facebook and offers services or offers to sell
objects shown on his Facebook pages. The photo galleries also always show
pictures of the Baale Sango, his father, as do the pages made under his aliases.
They also show photos of objects which he does not own. These objects include
ones made by the eminent Fakeye family of Ibadan, Idowu Afolabi Ayinde, son of
the Baale Esu of Osogbo, and other artisans personally known to me.

  Sangodele Sangomayowa, is known to use at least 10 aliases. He spent some time
in jail in Osogbo, about two weeks ago, thanks to his fraudulent activities, and
initiated by friends of mine whose arts were being used as a lure by the
scammer.  Unfortunately he was let go. I am not repeating a rumour. I have
firsthand knowledge of activities, and documented conversation with him using
one of his aliases, where objects not in the possession of the 'seller' and made
and/or owned by people I know, were offered to me to buy.

Their activities are well-known in traditional Yoruba Religion circles, perhaps
not as well known among collectors of well-made, modern, traditional art.

Forewarned is forearmed. It's best to buy direct from the maker.