A rare Malagan vertical frieze, New Ireland, Papua New Guinea

of the type called eikuar on Tabar, the complex, openwork form composed of a series of interlocking avian and anthropomorphic figures, the whole flanked on either side by faces with typical features and inset opercula (turbo petholatus) eyes; '36.950' in black and 'END ONI 1' in white pigment on reverse; aged surface with red, brown, blue and white pigments.

Collected in situ by Count Rudolf Festetics von Tolna (1865-1943), 1890s
Given by the above to the Magyar Nemzeti Muzeum (Hungarian National Museum), Budapest
Neprajzi Museum (Ethnographic Museum), Budapest, by transfer from the above in 1947 (accession no. '36.950')
Emile Deletaille, Brussels, by exchange from the above in 1972
Acquired from the above on December 9, 1983 (invoice no. '539')

Galerie Deletaille, Brussels, Oceanic Art from the Ethnographic Museum Budapest, 1972

Count Rudolf Festetics von Tolna, Vers L'ecueil de Minicoy Apres Huit Ans Dans l'Ocean Pacifique Et Indien a Bord Du Yacht "le Tolna", Paris, 1904

Good condition overall for an object of this rarity and age; the work is very fragile due the age, openness of the carving and weight of its large-scale. Age cracks, breaks, repairs and abrasions overall from age and original function.
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.

A Hungarian citizen, Count Rudolf Festetics von Tolna was born on September 17, 1865 in Paris. He studied in Vienna and served in the Hungarian army as Hussar in the rank of a Lieutenant. From 1893 - 1899, Festetics von Tolna and his new wife, the daughter of a wealthy Californian, embarked from San Francisco on an almost seven-year-long honeymoon cruise on their schooner Tolna, which led them throughout the Pacific—including Hawaii, Tahiti, Samoa, New Britain, and New Ireland. Upon the couple's return, Festetics von Tolna wrote two accounts of their South Pacific travels entitled Chez les Cannibales: huit ans de croisière dans l'océan Pacifique à bord du yacht «Le Tolna.» and Vers l'écueil de Minicoy, après huit ans dans l'océan Pacifique et Indien à bord du «Le Tolna.» Published in 1903 and 1904, the books were very popular.

De Tolna gave approximately 600 objects collected on his voyage to the Magyar Nemzeti Muzeum (Hungarian National Museum) in Budapest. Out of these, 95 came from the Bismarck Archipelago, including the present lot.