PENDE MASK, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO

Collected before the second World War by Ari Guillaume
Pierre Loos, Brussels, acquired from the estate of the above
Michael Oliver, New York, acquired from the above in ca. 1979
Robert Rubin, New York, acquired from the above on June 30, 1986

Museum for African Art, New York, To Cure and Protect: Sickness and Health in African Art, February 7 - August 31, 1997; additional venue:
National Museum of Health and Medicine, Washington, D.C., February 18 - August 23, 1999
Museum for African Art, New York, Material Differences: Art and Identity in Africa, April 10 - August 15, 2003; additional venues:
National Gallery of Canada, Ottawa, September 17, 2004 - January 2, 2005
Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento, April 2 - June 19, 2005
Sean Kelly Gallery, New York, Primitivism Revisited: After the End of an Idea, December 15, 2006 - January 27, 2006

John McKesson, "La Collection de Robert Rubin", Arts d'Afrique Noire, no. 71, Autumn 1989, p. 13
Frank Herreman, To Cure and Protect: Sickness and Health in African Art, New York, 1997, p. 20, cat. 9
Frank Herreman, Material Differences: Art and Identity in Africa, New York, 2003, p. 29, cat. 19
Roberta Smith, "Medium and Message Unite in African Objects", The New York Times, April 25, 2003, Weekend Fine Arts and Leisure 

Good condition overall for an object of this type and age. Hairline cracks. Nicks and scratches. Wear and tear throughout from traditional use. Inside of mask recarved, presumably in an attempt to fit it to the head of a different performer from the original owner. The recarved areas dyed, presumably after collection. Metal ring inserted in reverse for mounting. Aged patina with dark brown and white pigment, black pigment partially removed and polished.
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.