A magnificent and important East Sepik River, Sawos, Ancestral Malu board, Papua New Guinea

of tall, slender proportions and flat openwork form, the lower portion composed with organic rows of pierced ovoid forms emanating from a central swirl, the bottom with four hooks all beneath the head with full lips, straight nose and naturalistic eyes framed by pointed appendages; exceptionally fine encrusted surface decorated overall with red ochre, black and white mineral pigments.

Reportedly Ethnologisches Museum, Berlin
Arthur Speyer, Berlin, reportedly by exchange from the above
Serge Brignoni, Bern, acquired from the above
John Friede, New York, acquired from the above
Acquired from the above on September 28, 1980

Musée d'Ethnographie de Neuchâtel, Neuchâtel, Art Océanien, June - December, 1970 
The Museum of Modern Art, New York, "Primitivism" in 20th Century Art,  September 27, 1984 - January 15, 1985

Musée d'Ethnographie de Neuchâtel (ed.), Art Océanien, Neuchâtel, 1970, p. 76, no. B.25
William Rubin (ed.), "Primitivism" in 20th Century Art: Affinity of the Tribal and the Modern, New York, 1984, p. 543

Good condition overall fpr an object of this rarity and fragility; cracked through lower and middle right side; one segment (ca. 1 1/2 in.) of openwork below right bird and section (ca. 1/2 in.) of beak of left bird restored.
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 statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.