An extensive collection of Oceanic and African masterpieces from the collection of Pierre Vérité hits the auction block at Christie's in Paris on Nov. 21, 2018. This reliquary figure from Gabon in the celebrated Kota-Ndassa style is estimated to fetch between 100,000 and 150,000 euros (about $117,000 to $176,000).
An extensive collection of Oceanic and African masterpieces from the collection of Pierre Vérité hits the auction block at Christie's in Paris on Nov. 21, 2018. This reliquary figure from Gabon in the celebrated Kota-Ndassa style is estimated to fetch between 100,000 and 150,000 euros (about $117,000 to $176,000).
©Christie's Images Ltd, 2017
The top lot of the auction is this Kona style Hawaiian figure from a period between 1780 and 1820. It represents the god of war, ku ka 'ili moku, and Christie's expects it to fetch 2 to 3 million euros ($2.3 to $3.5 million).
The top lot of the auction is this Kona style Hawaiian figure from a period between 1780 and 1820. It represents the god of war, ku ka 'ili moku, and Christie's expects it to fetch 2 to 3 million euros ($2.3 to $3.5 million).
©Christie's Images Ltd, 2017
Although the Vérité family acquired most of their collection during the 1930s, it was not shown to the public until 1950. This Kota-Ndassa reliquary figure from Gabon is estimated at 80,000 to 100,000 euros ($93,000 to $116,000).
Although the Vérité family acquired most of their collection during the 1930s, it was not shown to the public until 1950. This Kota-Ndassa reliquary figure from Gabon is estimated at 80,000 to 100,000 euros ($93,000 to $116,000).
©Christie's Images Ltd, 2017
Some pieces in the auction haven't seen the light of day for decades. This Kota-Ndassa reliquary figure from Gabon could sell for up to 60,000 euros ($70,000).
Some pieces in the auction haven't seen the light of day for decades. This Kota-Ndassa reliquary figure from Gabon could sell for up to 60,000 euros ($70,000).
©Christie's Images Ltd, 2017
This Hemba figure from the Democratic Republic of Congo was part of a 1935 exhibition at New York's Museum of Modern Art, before it was bought by Vérité. It's estimated at 150,000 to 200,000 euros (about $170,000 to $240,000).
This Hemba figure from the Democratic Republic of Congo was part of a 1935 exhibition at New York's Museum of Modern Art, before it was bought by Vérité. It's estimated at 150,000 to 200,000 euros (about $170,000 to $240,000).
©Christie's Images Ltd, 2017
This Uli ancestor figure from New Ireland in Papua New Guinea was last seen in public in 1930. It could fetch up to 300,000 euros ($350,000).
This Uli ancestor figure from New Ireland in Papua New Guinea was last seen in public in 1930. It could fetch up to 300,000 euros ($350,000).
©Christie's Images Ltd, 2017
A Tiki figure from the Marquesas Island, worth between 150,000 and 200,000 euros according to Christie's (about $170,000 to $240,000).
A Tiki figure from the Marquesas Island, worth between 150,000 and 200,000 euros according to Christie's (about $170,000 to $240,000).
©Christie's Images Ltd, 2017
This Mahongwe reliquary figure from Gabon could fetch between 200,000 and 300,000 euros ($230,000 to $350,000).
This Mahongwe reliquary figure from Gabon could fetch between 200,000 and 300,000 euros ($230,000 to $350,000).
©Christie's Images Ltd, 2017
Another Kota-Ndassa reliquary figure from Gabon, worth upwards of 300,000 euros ($350,000).
Another Kota-Ndassa reliquary figure from Gabon, worth upwards of 300,000 euros ($350,000).
©Christie's Images Ltd, 2017
Pierre Vérité, in his atelier around 1925.
Pierre Vérité, in his atelier around 1925.
©Christie's Images Ltd, 2017
Pierre and Suzanne Vérité, around 1960.
Pierre and Suzanne Vérité, around 1960.
©Christie's Images Ltd, 2017