A SUPERB PENDE MASK, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Herbert Baker, Chicago
Acquired by the present owner from the above in January 1976

University of Michigan Museum of Art, Ann Arbor, Michigan, Sculpture of Africa: Selections from a Private Collection, November 2 - December 23, 1984 (additional venue: Krannert Art Museum, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Illinois, January 19 - March 3, 1985)
Columbia College Museum, Chicago, Illinois, Faces of Africa, January 30 - March 14, 1987
Harold Washington Library Center, Chicago, Forms of Expression: African Masks and Sculpture, February - April, 1993

Evan Maurer (ed.), Sculpture of Africa: Selections from a Private Collection, Ann Arbor, 1984, pl. 17
Warren Robbins and Nancy Nooter, African Art in American Collections, Washington D.C., 1989, p. 400, fig. 1019

Very good condition overall; minor insect damage on surface of beard (small worm holes), some areas of abrasion on the reverse, minor nicks and scratches on the front from handling, the fibre headdress with partial losses on center back; abrasions to the red pigment on the face, white kaolin inside the eyes, ears and on the temples partially flaking off; '24248' in white pigment on edge; fine aged patina with red, black 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.