A bow adorned with four small lateral masks and rich abstrac - Lot 111

A bow adorned with four small lateral masks and rich abstract geometric decorations. This bow was probably a ceremonial object and thus a regalia, an emblem of power, much more than a bow carved for war or hunting. Its chiselled motifs are so meticulous, engraved or in relief, that one can't help but think of the interlacing patterns characteristic of ancient weavings or the finest sculptures from the Bakongo kingdoms of the Woyo or Yombe of the Loango or Cabinda coasts. The four small masks adorning the two ends of the bow, protecting and guarding the archer's two lateral flanks, seem to be typical of Lwena or Tchokwe art. A pattern of dots and lines (twenty-two and twenty-three double lines enclosing double dots, on either side of the hand slot in the center of the bow) carved in relief on the inside of the bow is another rarity, and adds to the mystery of this unique bow. It is conceivable that these may have been sighting marks, or may have served some other purpose, such as counting, for its former owner, certainly a powerful and illustrious man, given the singular refinement of this extremely rare bow. Probably Tchokwe, Lwena, or Songo, Angola Hardwood, small accidents and missing ends (old breaks), very fine old patina. H. 132 cm See Sotheby's Paris sale December 2, 2015 lot 73 for another very rare Tchokwe bow, the drawing of which was reproduced on p. 52 in: Art Et Mythologie, Figures Tchokwe, Fondation Dapper, Ed Dapper 1988. Provenance : Jean Roudillon Collection