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Fine Female 'Biteki' Figure (Ex Romy Rey Collection)

About the Item

This beautifully carved 'Biteki' figure, from the Yaka culture in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, depicts a female crowned with a large, abstracted coiffure. The figure exhibits a wonderful sculptural form with Cubist-like legs, and a sense of movement is conveyed through the figure's sweeping arms which converge to form a V-shape at the back. This 'Biteki' figure displays a stylised face, with a typically long nose located above a series of holes, and a pair of prominent, protruding ears. The body of the figurative sculpture features a carved representation of female genitalia, and red pigment - which had been originally applied throughout the surface of the piece - has faded in parts over time. This fine Yaka 'Biteki' figure was previously part of the remarkable private collection of Romy Rey (1938-2020), a Swiss-born, London-based artist. Rey's paintings drew inspiration from her extensive collection of Pre-Columbian, African and Oceanic art. Height (Incl. Custom-Made Stand): 42cm Height (Excl. Custom-Made Stand): 37.5cm Width of Figure: 8cm Width of Custom-Made Stand: 11cm Depth of Figure: 8cm Depth of Custom-Made Stand: 11cm Estimated Period: First Half of 20th Century Provenance History: Ex Romy Rey Collection, London
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 16.5 in (41.91 cm)Width: 3 in (7.62 cm)Depth: 3 in (7.62 cm)
  • Style:
    Tribal (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Wood,Carved
  • Place of Origin:
    Congo, Democratic Republic of the
  • Period:
    20th Century
  • Date of Manufacture:
    First Half of 20th Century
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use.
  • Seller Location:
    London, GB
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU8736236711562
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