Sotheby’s African and Oceanic art sale coming to Paris

Sotheby’s will host a major auction of African & Oceanic art in Paris on June 21.

It will include an important Hemba ancestor statue.

The Hemba are a tribe originating from what is today the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Hemba statue ancestor

The Hemba originate from the Democratic Republic of Congo 

This statue was crafted by the Niembo, a northerly branch of the Hemba family.

The Niembo are celebrated for their skill in carving and have long operated workshops along the Luika River.

This example looks to date as far back as the 17th or 18th century, when the region was under the control of the precolonial Luba empire.

Sotheby’s comments: “This sculpture, making its debut at auction, has a patina which attests to its considerable age.

“The statue reflects the prestige of princely families at a time when the Luba kingdom was expanding and the culture of the Hemba traditions was developing.”

The piece is valued at $313,502-391,877.

The sale includes 12 pieces of Oceanic art from collection of Dutch artist Berend Hoekstra, including a spectacular Maori mask that is expected to sell for $201,537-279,912.

It displays the fearsome tattoos worn by Maori men, with eyes and teeth inlaid with crushed abalone shell.  

Hoekstra says: "Oceanic art fascinates me.

“The raw power of some of these objects comes so close to my concept of the fundamental meaning of art that I need them, so that I can explore them and understand their force."

Please sign up to our free newsletter to receive exciting news about music memorabilia auctions.

Register to receive more in-depth articles from our dedicated team.

Register Here

Featured products

Elvis Presley Authentic Strand of Hair
Elvis Presley Authentic Strand of Hair
Sale price£399
In stock
Fidel Castro signed certificateFidel Castro Signed Certificate
Fidel Castro signed certificate
Sale price£2,995
In stock
King Henry VIII Autographed DocumentKing Henry VIII Autographed Document
King Henry VIII Autographed Document
Sale price£55,000
In stock