DAN BEAKED MASK, IVORY COAST

René Rasmussen, Paris
Loudmer-Poulain, Paris, Succession Rasmussen, Hotel Drouot, Sale 1, December 14, 1979, lot 20
Brian Leyden, New York, acquired at the above auction
Robert Rubin, New York, acquired from the above on December 10, 1984

Museum of African Art, New York, Animals in African Art, March 31 - December 31, 1995; additional venues:
Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts, Montgomery, 1996
Joslyn Art Museum, Omaha, 1996
Mint Museum of Art, Charlotte, 1996 - 1997
Dallas Museum of Art, Dallas, February 4 - April 27, 1997
Museum for African Art, New York, Facing the Mask, September 19, 2002 - March 2, 2003

Raymonde Wilhelem, Le guidargus de l'art primitif. 1965-1985. 20 ans d'art primitif en ventes publiques, Paris, 1985, p. 151
Warren M. Robbins and Nancy I. Nooter, African Art in American Collections, New York, 1989, p. 157, fig. 291
John McKesson, "La Collection de Robert Rubin", Arts d'Afrique Noire, no. 71, Autumn 1989, p. 12
Allen F. Roberts, Animals in African Art, From the Familiar to the Marvelous, New York, 1995, p. 162, cat. 108
Frank Herreman, Facing the Mask, New York, 2002, p. 64, cat. 72

Good condition overall for an object of this type and age. Native repair on proper left side of mask, the crack bound together with fiber and rope (break with overlying encrustation attesting to age of repair). Two spikes above the brow chipped as seen in photographs. Losses to back side of rim of mask, the original jaw attached with rope, probably replaced in situ. Exceptionally fine crusty patina with areas of abrasion on beak and eyebrows.
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.