Lot 214: A Large and fine Montol figure

Montol, Northern Nigeria; H: 23 1/4"

Remarkable for its size and expressive qualities, some insect depredation to the feet and neck of the figure. Remains of red pigment, highlighting the abdomen and the simple yet powerfully carved face.

Comments:
Montol figure carving is associated with the Komtin Society and used in curing rites. This figure, with its forward pushing shoulders and arms over the torso, is primal: its simple expressive face made of tiny apertures that give it a whistling appearance. This particular example is also rather large with regards to the known corpus of traditional Montol figural carvings.

Provenance:
- Zollman Collection, IND
- Gelbard collection, NY

Publication History:
Remnants of Ritual: Selections from the Gelbard collection of African Art (2003) Bourgeois & Rodolitz; Pg. 17, Fig. 38

Exhibition History:
Exhibition History: USA: "Remnants of Ritual, Selections from the Gelbard Collection of African Art":
- University Park, IL: Governors State University, February 2003
- Krannert, IL: Krannert Art Museum, 26 August-26 October, 2003
- Kansas City, MO: Belger Art Foundation/UNIVERSITY of Missouri-
Kansas City, 2004
- Park Forest, IL: Tall Grass Art Association, 2005

Price Realized: $2,200

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