Superb Lele or Songo Ceremonial Adze, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Wood, metal
Height 11 5/8in (29.5cm)

Provenance
Alitash Kebebe Fine Arts, Los Angeles
Wayne Heathcote, Brussels/New York/London
Michael Oliver, New York
Galerie Serge Schoffel, Brussels
Private Collection

Published
Preston, George, African Art Masterpieces, Hugh Lauter Levin Associates, Inc., New York, 1991, Pl. 20

As noted by Preston (Ibid.), 'This is a ceremonial or prestige adze--not a too--made to announce the importance of the owner. It was probably the property of a chief-blacksmith and could have been slung over the shoulder or held upright in the hand. The knotty, unfinished end of the handle suggests that it was covered with an ornamental material, perhaps elephant skin or monkey hair.

The remarkable beauty of this piece lies in the ability of the sculptor to create an intriguing dialogue between individualized and generic portrait characteristics. On the one hand, it has the very stylized concave depression of the facial plane that has come to be called the 'heart-shaped face'; stereotypical pointed ellipsoid eyes; and abstract ears. On the other hand, it has such individualized traits as fleshy cheeks, an aquiline chin, and a prominent Adam's apple.

In a wry wit of sculptural metaphor, the end of the leaf-shaped adze blade is curled into a knot, as if to emphatically destroy its utilitarian potential and underline the importance of the scepter's symbolic role.'

Two small dents to front of nose; chips to right ear; minor nicks, scratches, abrasions and wear consistent with age. Custom stand.