Collection Perinet of Tribal Art: Paris

Michel Périnet Collection

The video provides a rare look at these objects in situ at Christie’s, emphasizing Périnet’s unique ability to select pieces that transition from ethnographic artifacts to universal works of art.

In June 2021, the international art world turned its attention to Christie’s Paris for the auction of the Michel Périnet Collection, a defining moment for the appreciation of African, Oceanic, and Amerindian art. Michel Périnet, a legendary jeweler and connoisseur, spent decades assembling a collection that prioritized aesthetic purity and historical significance, often selecting pieces that had previously belonged to icons of the modern art movement like Maurice de Vlaminck and Pablo Picasso.

The collection is characterized by its “masterpiece” quality, where each object transcends its ethnographic origins to be viewed as a pinnacle of global sculpture. Among the most significant pieces showcased is the Fang Head from Gabon. Formerly in the Vlaminck collection, this sculpture is revered for its haunting, heart-shaped face and a deep, oily patina that suggests generations of ritual use. Its minimalist lines and serene expression exemplify why Fang art served as a primary catalyst for the Cubist revolution in Europe.

From Oceania, the collection features a rare Moai Kavakava from Easter Island (Rapa Nui). This emaciated male figure is a marvel of delicate carving, showcasing protruding ribs and a skeletal frame that reflects the ancestor’s transition between the physical and spiritual realms. Equally impressive is a Uli Figure from New Ireland, a robust and colorful wooden statue used in lengthy funerary ceremonies. Its stocky proportions and intricate facial markings highlight the powerful, energetic presence characteristic of Melanesian art.

Another jewel of the collection is the Luba-Shankadi headrest from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Attributed to the “Master of the Cascade Hairstyle,” the piece features a female figure with an elaborate, tiered coiffure, demonstrating the intersection of functional design and high fashion in Central African courtly life. Collectively, these objects represent Périnet’s visionary approach, bridging the gap between “tribal” artifacts and the canon of universal art history.

YouTube video “Collection Perinet of tribal art: a selection presented at Christie’s. Paris. June 2021” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fz1asuKAqts