Masque, Dan/Mano, Libéria/Côte d'Ivoire

Pierre Langlois, Paris
Collection privée, France 

Very good condition overall. Wear consistent with age and use within the culture. Wear to the edges, with missing part along the top, as visible on the catalogue illustration. The patina has a beautiful glossy brown dark color with luminous brown reddish tones. Thick patina in places.
"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."

Ce masque, dont l'étroite fente des yeux plissés personnalise une entité féminine, se distingue par la remarquable délicatesse de la sculpture, notamment dans le détail des paupières et des lèvres très finement ourlées. Les reflets de sa patine sombre exaltent la tension des courbes, dont le rythme se resserre de profil dans l'avancée de la bouche. De face s'impose la parfaite rigueur de la composition, trouvant son point d'équilibre dans la - rare - représentation des oreilles. Cette dernière permet de l'attribuer, selon toute vraisemblance, à un sculpteur Dan/Mano (confins de la Côte d'Ivoire et du Liberia). La superbe surface au dos, la finesse de la paroi et les trous d'attache successifs attestent sa très grande ancienneté.