A fine Admiralty Islands finial, Bismarck Archipelago, Papua New Guinea

the central bamboo shaft overmodeled with fiber, mud, and seeds (coix lacryma-jobi), surmounted by a human torso of typical features with a bamboo, fiber, and mud structure on top with two pointed wooden projections; fine aged surface with orange, white and brown pigment.

Sotheby's, London, June 23, 1981, lot 64
Acquired at the above auction

Stable condition overall; fragile materials. Some loss on reverse of the fiber and mud overlay to the lower portion; break and repair at the left hand and minor loss to right hand.
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.