A Rare Grebo Janus Head Crest, Liberia

rising from a semisperical base covered with African civet fur (civettictis civetta), the triangular janus head surmounted by two horns, one face with mouth and eyes the other face more abstract with mouth and eyes omitted; brass tacks inserted; fine lustrous blackened patina with red and white pigment.

Milner Dunn, acquired in 1961 in Monrovia
Acquired by the present owner from the above, 1960s

good condition overall; fur missing on one side; one horn broken on top the other horn tip broken and reattached; nicks and scratches, wear and tear from traditional use; fine lustrous blackened patina with red and white pigment.
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.

Grebo janus headcrests in this style are extremely rare. For a face mask with similar features formerly in the collections of Arman Arman and Carlo Monzino see Sotheby's, Paris, September 30, 2002, lot 51 (published in Vogel 1986: p. 43, cat. 37); for a single sided headcrest see Christie's, Paris, June 12, 2003, lot 312.