A Hunstein Mountains, Bahinemo, Hook Figure, Papua New Guinea

garra, of elliptical form, a cubistic face with pierced mouth in the center and hooks above and below; fine aged surface with red, white and dark brown pigments.

Philip Goldman, London
Acquired from the above

Very good condition overall; minor nicks and scratches, wear and tear from age and handling.
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.

The Rosenthal mask-style garra, or sacred object, is most likely from the eastern part of the Hunstein Mountain region of the Upper Sepik River. According to Newton in his well-known book on this area Crocodile and Cassowary (1971: 19) : "In a few instances the central eyes [of the figure] are on a small raised panel with a vertical bar between them. This is very marked on a distinct stylistic group from Namu, where the bar evidently summarizes a double face sharing one pair of eyes." Cf. Newton (28-29, figures 39 and 43) for related Namu-area figures.