An Exceptional Mossi Figure Burkina Faso, c. 19th century This standing figure is distinguished not only b...

Description

An Exceptional Mossi Figure
Burkina Faso, c. 19th century

This standing figure is distinguished not only by its early date, but also by its long and well-documented history in the literature of African art. Formerly in the celebrated collection of Gustave and Franyo Schindler, it was exhibited at the Museum of Primitive Art in New York and later included in Traditional Sculpture from Upper Volta at the African-American Institute. It has also been illustrated in important publications by Jacqueline Delange, Norman Skougstad, Christopher Roy, and the Schindler collection catalogue, placing it securely within the canon of Mossi sculpture as it came to be recognized in Europe and America.

Works of this kind occupy an important place in the sculptural traditions of Burkina Faso, where standing figures could serve as vehicles of lineage memory, protective force, or ritual presence. The present example is especially significant for the distinction of its provenance and the consistency of its publication history. A classic and historically important work, with the authority that comes from both sculptural tradition and long recognition in the field. In very good condition, appropriate for age, origin, and material.

Provenance:
A Private Collection, New York, NY, acquired in 1992
Gustave and Franyo Schindler, New York, NY

Published:
Roy, Christopher D., Art of the Upper Volta Rivers. Meudon: Chaffin, 1987, p. 171, no. 134A
Skougstad, Norman, Traditional Sculpture from Upper Volta. New York: The African-American Institute, 1978, p. 12, no. 40, fig. 6
Delange, Jacqueline, Arts et Peuples de l'Afrique Noire: Introduction à l'Analyse des Créations Plastiques. Paris: Gallimard / NRF, 1967, no. 17
Masks and Sculptures from the Collection of Gustave and Franyo Schindler. New York: Museum of Primitive Art, 1966, no. 7

Exhibited:
Traditional Sculpture from Upper Volta, The African-American Institute, New York, October 24, 1978 – March 24, 1979
Masks and Sculptures from the Collection of Gustave and Franyo Schindler, The Museum of Primitive Art, New York, November 2, 1966 – February 5, 1967

Height: 31 ½ inches

Estimate: $7,000 - $10,000.

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