Très belle flèche faîtière, Kanak, Nouvelle-Calédonie

Deep erosion due to considerable period of exposure to the elements. Losses to the top and to the side projections, as visible in the catalogue illustration. No repair or restoration.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Cette flèche faîtière gomoa se distingue par la très belle ampleur des volumes stylisés et par la force de sa sculpture. A la tension des courbes répond la rigueur anguleuse des traits émergeant en haut relief, dont la puissance et le style se rattachent à l'art « du Nord de la Grande Terre » (cf. Guiart, 1953 : 21) : langue tirée, yeux ovales grand ouverts encadrant un large nez aux narines dilatées. Au sommet, le motif ajouré en chevrons symbolise la cordelette de la fronde que portaient les hommes sur le front. La qualité de la sculpture, ajoutée à la profonde érosion du bois de houp laissant apparaître la veinure du bois, attestent son ancienneté. Traces de polychromie jaune et noire.

Strictement frontales, ces flèches étaient placées au sommet de la Grande Case - élément central de la culture Kanak. Elles évoquent le visage de l'esprit ancestral et représentent l'image de la communauté des esprits des défunts (Boulay in Newton, 1998 : 300). Symboles de l'aîné, elles pouvaient également orner la sépulture d'un chef de clan.

A very fine Kanak roof finial, New Caledonia

This gomoa roof finial is characterised by the impressive scale of its stylised volumes and its sculptural power. The tension of the curves is complimented by the angular rigour of the features in high relief. The power and style of the offered lot are common to the art of 'the north of the Grand Terre' (cf. Guiart, 1953: 21) – the protruding tongue, large and open oval eyes framing a broad nose with flared nostrils. At the top, the chevron open-work motif symbolises the catapult cord which men carried on their forehead. The sculptural quality and deep erosion of the wood attest to the figure's considerable age. Traces of yellow and black polychromy.

Only the front of these finials was seen. They were placed on top of the chief's house, a central element of Kanak culture. Finials were meant to evoke the face of the ancestral spirit and to represent the image of the community of dead spirits (Boulay in Newton, 1998: 300). Symbols of elders, they could also decorate the burial-places of clan chiefs.