An exceptional Tsogho Janus Headed Gong, Gabon

mokenge, the hollowed iron resonator surmounted by a wooden handle leading to a janus head with heart-shaped facial planes, slit eyes and open mouths; aged and encrusted surface overall.

Collected in situ by Jean-Claude Andrault, Mavanga village, 1963
Lucienne and Jean-Claude Andrault, Seillans
Emile Deletaille, Brussels, acquired from the above

Cannes, Musée de la Castre, La Rencontre du Ciel et de la Terre, 1990

Raoul Lehuard, "Un Rencontre au Gabon", Arts d'Afriques Noire, Automne 1974, no. 11, p. 12, figs. 5-6
Marceau Rivière, Les Chefs-d`Oeuvre Africains des Collections Privées Françaises, Paris, 1975, p. 125
Ville de Cannes (ed.), La Rencontre du Ciel et de la Terre, 1990, cat. 67

very good condition overall; corrosion on iron gong, cracked on side and front; mouth on one side chipped, losses to crusty patina; aged and encrusted surface overall.
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.

After completing his medical studies at the University of Paris (1945-1950), Jean-Claude Andrault went to work in the Congo between 1954-1957, and in the Gabon between 1958-1983. During his trips he collected numerous important works such as the present lot.