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Open a larger version of the following image in a popup: Mabea Fang Mother with Child statue, 1st half 20th Century

Mabea Fang Mother with Child statue

1st half 20th Century
Wood, leather, metal
81 x 34 x 34 cm
31 7/8 x 13 3/8 x 13 3/8 in
258
POA
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A standing Fang Mabea Maternity , holding a pestle with both her hands. The mother's head is slightly turned to the left, while the child, carried on her back, has his head turned to the right. Her left leg indicates a walking movement, which is not frequent for African sculptures. The eyes are inlaid with glass, the mouth has fine metal teeth, and her hair dress, in leather, is fixed with tiny indigenous nails. The statue has a brown patina typical for the region. The statue dates from the beginning of the 20th century and is supposed to be made for a Colonial Exhibition in France. Provenance: R. Caillois (1913-1978), writer, sociologist and member of the “Académie Française” initially owned the sculpture. He was in contact with Andre Breton in the 1930s and befriended Salvador Dali, Paul Eluard and Max Ernst. He broke with the Surrealist movement in 1935 and started the magazine 'Inquisitions' with Tzara and Aragon. After his death, the sculpture stays in the family. P.Ratton certifies the statue, owned by the widow (second wife) of R.Caillois, on 27/10/1995. I dispose of the original of this certificate. Baroness Josephine Sloet tot Everlo held the sculpture until 31/12/2014.

Fang Mabea Maternité debout, tenant un pilon de ses deux mains. La tête de la mère est légèrement tournée vers la gauche, tandis que l'enfant, porté sur son dos, a la tête tournée vers la droite. Sa jambe gauche indique un mouvement de marche, ce qui n'est pas fréquent dans les sculptures africaines. Les yeux sont incrustés de verre, la bouche a de fines dents en métal et sa coiffure, en cuir, est fixée par de minuscules clous indigènes. La statue présente une patine brune typique de la région. La statue date du début du XXe siècle et aurait été réalisée pour une exposition coloniale en France. Provenance : R. Caillois (1913-1978), écrivain, sociologue et membre de l'Académie française, fut le premier propriétaire de la sculpture. Il fut en contact avec André Breton dans les années 1930 et se lia d'amitié avec Salvador Dali, Paul Eluard et Max Ernst. Il rompt avec le mouvement surréaliste en 1935 et lance la revue "Inquisitions" avec Tzara et Aragon. Après sa mort, la sculpture reste dans la famille. P.Ratton certifie la statue, propriété de la veuve (seconde épouse) de R.Caillois, le 27/10/1995. Je dispose de l'original de ce certificat. La baronne Joséphine Sloet tot Everlo a conservé la sculpture jusqu'au 31/12/2014.
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Provenance

Collection R.Caillois,Paris
P.Ratton,Paris
Private Collection, Netherlands
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