67 - Figurine

Figurine Dengese. DR Congo Without base Wood. H 27 cm. Provenance: - Josef Joller (1886–1972), Winterthur. - Alice Szentkiralyi-Joller (1932–2025), Winterthur. - Passed down through the family. Josef Joller (1886–1972) The Swiss merchant Josef Joller worked for the Swiss African Trading Company in the West African cocoa trade during the 1930s and 1940s. His professional activities took him to what was then the British Gold Coast—now Ghana—as well as to the neighboring Ivory Coast (Côte d’Ivoire), which was under French colonial administration at the time. At that time, cocoa was one of West Africa’s most important export commodities. European trading companies maintained an extensive network of trading posts and business relationships that linked the coastal cities with the production areas in the interior. As a Swiss merchant, Joller operated within this economic and cultural environment, where European commercial interests intersected with the diverse traditions of West African societies. His many years of activity in the region provide an interesting historical context for understanding the artworks that later came into his possession. It points to an era in which personal encounters, trade contacts, and travel could also shape the path of African art objects into European private collections. -------------------------------- This polychrome, wood-carved torso figure is distinguished by its expressive design and high-contrast color scheme. The disproportionately large head, with its characteristic black-outlined hairstyle, features narrow, almond-shaped eyes with white-highlighted eyelids and reddish lower eye areas, a prominent nose, a small mouth, and geometric scar markings on the cheeks. Multiple tiered neck rings form the transition to the female torso. The arms are bent at the elbows and the hands rest on the hips. Particularly striking is the body’s paintwork, featuring a dense pattern of red, black, and light-colored triangles. The lower part of the figure merges into a dark, rounded base without any depiction of the legs. The Dengese, who live in the Sankuru River region in what is now the Democratic Republic of the Congo, have close cultural ties to the neighboring Kuba. Their figurative sculptures often depict high-ranking individuals whose social status is expressed through distinctive hairstyles, jewelry, and body ornaments. Such torso figures are associated, among other things, with the commemoration of important dignitaries. However, the exact original function of this particular piece cannot be definitively determined. CHF 100 / 200 Weight in grams: 568 Condition: Hammer Auctions places great importance on providing a careful and as precise as possible description of all lots offered in the catalog. Each lot is documented with multiple photographs intended to convey as comprehensive an impression as possible of its condition. This includes, in particular, visible signs of wear, irregularities, and age-related changes. We recommend that all interested parties and bidders carefully examine the photographs before placing a bid, as they form an essential part of the lot description. In addition, we recommend viewing the items in person before the auction, if possible. All condition descriptions are provided to the best of our knowledge and belief and are based on our professional assessment. They are provided for informational purposes only and do not claim to be exhaustive. In particular, there may be age- or wear-related characteristics that are neither explicitly mentioned nor visible in the photographs. Hammer Auctions assumes no liability for unintentional errors or omissions in the condition descriptions to the extent permitted by law. However, we always strive to resolve any ambiguities or concerns in a transparent, fair, and straightforward manner. Should a lot deviate in material respects from its catalog description, Hammer Auctions offers a return option in accordance with the following provisions. Buyers may report such a deviation in writing within seven (7) calendar days of receiving the lot. If the complaint is justified, the lot may be returned by mutual agreement. The purchase price will be refunded in full upon receipt and inspection of the returned item. We are always happy to assist you personally with any questions, additional photographs, or further information.