Pair of figures. Bagirmi, Chad. H 32cm and 35cm,... Lot 503

Pair of figures. Bagirmi, Chad. H 32cm and 35cm, in abstract form; with short arms and legs, narrow nose, small eyes and small mouth; both are decorated with incised ornaments all over the body and face; the female figure with typical bonnet-like hair ornament of parallel arranged plaits, crowned by a plate-like attachment. With the original invoice! Until recently, Bagirmi figures were virtually unknown. Small dolls of this ethnic group have appeared more frequently, although they are still very rare. They are characterized by a spherical head and conical lower body without legs, but are otherwise similar to the pair in patina and posture. With the exception of an equestrian figure and a few individual figures, no sculptures of the Bagirmi have been published to date. This pair offered here is therefore obviously a great rarity. The artistic design is not neglected. It shows a great balance of proportions and also an unusually great charm. Shiny dark brown patina, intact. Provenance: Acquired from Galerie Flak, Paris, 2014.