MASTERPIECES OF THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO - Lot 223

Lot 223
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MASTERPIECES OF THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO - Lot 223
MASTERPIECES OF THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO New York, The African-American Institute, 1980. Catalog of the exhibition held from September 25, 1980, to January 24, 1981. Large in-4° (29 cm), paperback with a red cover illustrated with a Congolese sculpture, 57 pp., abundant black-and-white photographic illustrations, map, and bibliography on pp. 55–57. Text in English. Catalog dedicated to masterpieces of sculpture from the People’s Republic of the Congo (Congo-Brazzaville). The institutional bibliography confirms the 1980 New York edition, 57 pages, devoted to Congolese sculpture and woodcarving. A more interesting catalog than it appears The exhibition brought together 69 works from five major American and European museums as well as 24 private collections. When it opened in New York, it was noted as a particularly significant gathering of Congolese art; eleven objects, in particular, came from the Musée de l’Homme. The catalog covers several major groups and styles from the region: Vili, Yombe, Bembé, Punu, Téké, Kota, Kuyu, and Kwele. Its documentary value is enhanced by the fact that some of the works reproduced have since acquired significant museum or commercial provenance. A Bembé figure published in the catalog (cat. 38, p. 36) is thus documented by Christie’s; a Kongo-Vili figure reproduced on p. 26, fig. 21, reappeared in the sale of the Myron Kunin collection at Sotheby’s with an estimate of $150,000–$250,000. The Smithsonian also cites this catalog in the bibliography for a work now held at the National Museum of African Art. It is therefore a genuine reference catalog for provenance, which is highly sought after in the African art market. Good overall condition. Original cover preserved, slightly rubbed and faded, with a few marks and minor wear to the corners and caps. Small vintage label reading “Sold 40 F” on the back cover. Interior appears clean.
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