Masque miniature, Dan, Côte d'Ivoire

Collection Dr. Edmund Müller, Beromünster, Suisse (inv. n° 3516)
Sotheby's, New York, Property from the Collection of the Foundation Dr. Edmund Müller, Beromünster, 22 novembre 1998, n° 61
Collection Oliver et Pamela Cobb, Seattle

Au dos : numéro d'inventaire "3516" de la collection Edmund Müller inscrit à l'encre blanche.

Please refer to the department, + 33 1 53 05 52 67, alexis.maggiar@sothebys.com
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Relevant de la tradition Dan du masque "passeport", réplique miniature du grand masque du lignage, cette œuvre se rattache au - rare - style des Wè voisins, traduisant à la perfection, dans les traits miniaturisés, sa rigueur expressionniste. La force du visage est accentuée par la présence du collier de barbe en fibres végétales auquel est suspendu un fer rituel, et par la profonde patine d'usage. Voir Clouzot et Level (1926, pl. V) pour un masque de style comparable, aujourd'hui dans les collections du musée Dapper.