Quatre massues de guerre, Kanak , Nouvelle-calédonie

a) dite en "tête d'oiseau", à bec long et pointu, les yeux ronds sculptés en haut relief. Bois dur. Belle patine brun-blond, nuancée.
b) dite en "tête d'oiseau", à bec court, les yeux marqués par une protubérance, le manche orné d'une cordelette à pompons. Belle patine brune.
c) à tête en forme de dôme. Bois dur; belle patine d'usage.
d) à tête en forme de dôme, en bois dur, le manche orné d'une étoffe de velours bleu maintenue par une ligature croisée en fibres végétales finement tressées.

Ancienne collection Ponnet, Marseille, début du XX^e siècle

a. Wear consistent with age and use within the culture. Small chip to the tip of the beak. The patina is slightly darker (brown red) than shown in the catalogue illustration. b. Wear consistent with age and use within the culture. Tiny losses to the edges of the head. Handle: small surface depressions due to natural wood nodes. c. Chips to the circular edge of the head. Two thin stable cracks along the head. d. Losses to two parts of the head at the circular edge, as visible in the catalogue illustration.
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.