An ancient pair of male and female statues, their sexes clearly signified, their faces scarified, their eyes indicated by inlaid beads. These two highly expressive sculptures are among the rarest and most beautiful examples of the unique art of the Nyamwési people. "These rare sculptures accompanied - according to Nancy Nooters - the high-backed seats of the Iramba chiefs." (Commentary in the Hélène Leloup archives). See the sale of the Walter Bareiss Collection, Neumeister, November 13, 2008, for another rare Niamwezi couple (lot no. 1270). Niamwezi, Tanzania Hardwood, beads (one missing), old cracks, truncated at the bottom, one visible break at the back of the male figure (old breakage), very fine old patina. H.: 69.5 and 70.5cm Provenance: Hélène Leloup Collection, Paris Passed on by descent