Lot 17
  • 17

Dan Mask, Ivory Coast or Liberia

Estimate
30,000 - 50,000 USD
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Description

  • wood
  • Height: 9 1/2 in (24.1 cm)

Provenance

John J. Klejman, New York
Private Collection, Pennsylvania
Sotheby's, New York, October 31, 1994, lot 28, consigned by the above
Myron Kunin, Minneapolis, acquired at the above auction

Exhibited

Minneapolis Institute of Arts, Minneapolis, Masks from the West African Dan People, June 12 - November 28, 2010

Literature

Werner Gillon, Collecting African Art, London, 1979, p. 59, fig. 5

Condition

Good condition for an object of this type and age. Old losses around edges including a chipped age crack at center of the forehead as seen in catalogue illustration, two wedge-shaped chips on top reverse edge, and a shallow section of loss at bottom reverse edge, all patinated over. Exceptionally fine varied aged surface with remains of ritually-applied oil seething from much of the mask; vegetable fiber braids encircling underside of chin; crusty aged remnants of other ritually-applied material at lower part of face. Metal attachments tarnished. Encrustation with craquelure on top of mask and to area around mouth. Reverse is weathered and worn with an old Klejman label on reverse inscribed 'DAN MASK "KAGLE" / GUERE - LIBERIA - 19 C. / WEST AFRICA - NLF'; another sticker with "1812"; and a yellowed fragment of another paper label.
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.