Dan Ritual Container in the Shape of a Ram, Ivory Coast

Collected in situ by Dr. George Harley (1894-1966) between 1926 - 1960
Paul Rabut, Westport, acquired from the above ca. 1963-1965
Peggy Rabut, Westport, by descent from the above
Merton D. Simpson, New York, acquired from the above
Private American Collection, acquired from the above

Warren M. Robbins and Nancy I. Nooter, African Art in American Collections. Survey 1989, Washington, 1989, p. 164, fig. 315

Good condition for an object of this age and rare type. Marks, nicks, scratches, and abrasions consistent with age and use. Back proper right leg broken and glued. Back proper left leg restored. Chipping and wear around edge of rim and around notch for opening. Exceptionally fine oily dark brown patina with significant remains of sticky oil to body, with some residue.
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.

Amongst the rarest objects produced by Dan artists are containers in the shape of a ram. Apart from the offered lot, only one other example is recorded in the Ethnografische Verzamelingen of Ghent University in Belgium (Yale Van Rijn archive inv. no. "0123784").

Little is known about the function of these containers. Both containers have a worn surface on top. For the Ghent example the hypothesis has been suggested that it might have served as stool or neckrest. In general, both works seem too large for neckrests. While their sizes and general shape would not be uncommon for stools (cf. one previously in the Renee and Chaim Gross Foundation, Sotheby's New York, May 15, 2009, lot 42), they seem too refined for an object of daily use. Instead, it is conceivable to locate their function in a ritual context. This hypothesis is further supported by traces of palm oil on the offered lot's surface.