Chaise, Nunuma, Burkina Faso

collects ion Thomas G.B. Wheelock, New York

Expositions:
The African-American Institute, New York, Art from the Sahel, 1974
Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Art from Upper Volta, 1975
The African-American Institute, New York, Traditional Sculpture from Upper Volta, 24 octobre 1978 - 24 mars 1979
The Museum of African Art, Washington D.C., Traditional Sculpture from Upper Volta, été 1979
Carleton College, Northfield, Minnesota, Art and Life in Burkina Faso, Land of Upright People, 3 avril - 8 mai 2002

Publications:
Hersey, Art from the Sahel, 1974 : 4, n° F-3
Grace & Wheelock, Art from Upper Volta, 1975 : 5, n° 45
Skougstad, Traditional Sculpture from Upper Volta, 1978 : 44, n° 80
Robbins, Traditional Sculpture from Upper Volta, 1979 : 11
Anderson & Solomon, "Discovering a culture" in Living with Art, 1988 : 120
Roy & Wheelock, Land of Flying Masks, 2007, n° 529

Good condition overall; wear consistent with age and use within the culture. 'Handle' on the proper right probably restored. A few old and well patinated losses to the edges. Beautiful honey patina to the surface of the chair and dark surface to the rear.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any stat.mes nt made by Replica Shoes 's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

A l'épure, symbolisant par la justesse d'un mouvement le corps humain en position semi-allongée, répond au dos la richesse du décor sculpté. Rares, les chaises d'homme Nuna – tripodes – étaient exclusivement utilisées par l'aîné d'une maison. A l'arrière, le crocodile émergeant en très haut relief et le petit masque qui le domine – évoquant vraisemblablement un « masque wankr, principal masque vénéré sur l'autel des ancêtres » (Wheelock in Roy et Wheelock, 2007 : 454, n° 529) -, sont liés aux entités protectrices de son très important propriétaire. Superbe patine d'usage, caramel sur la face interne, brune au dos.

Nunuma chair, Burkina Faso

Nunuma chairs for men are rare. They were designed for relaxing upon and were reserved for the exclusive use of the eldest.mes mber of the household. The three legs of these chairs distinguish them from the four-legged chairs used by women. There is a wonderful contrast here between the simple sweeping curve of the seat and the richly carved decoration that dominates the back of the chair, which is carved in high relief with a crocodile and a small but striking mask that probably represents a 'wankr mask, the principal mask kept on the family altar' (Wheelock in Roy and Wheelock, 2007: 454, no. 529). Both the crocodile and the mask are associated with the spirit world entities that lent protection to the chair's owner. The superb patina is caramel coloured on the smooth surface of the seat and brown and on the reverse, and shows signs of prolonged use.