A RARE IATMUL, MIDDLE SEPIK RIVER, SPIRIT PAINTING, Papua New Guinea

Harry A. Franklin, Beverly Hills
Chaim and Renee Gross, New York, acquired from the above in the 1960s

Good condition overall, material very fragile; some age cracks, and areas of abrasion throughout, as seen on photographs; some of the fiber bindings lose or torn, aged patina with red, yellow, white and dark brown 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.

According to Friede (2005, vol. II: 117, fig. 222), the "traditional houses in Tambanum had portico entrances and beautiful facades of quilt palm leaves laid down in a herring-bone pattern. Circular paintings like this one were placed inside the portico roof, facing down. They served as guardian spirits, comparable to 'house masks'." For two closely-related examples cf. one in the JOLIKA Collection of Marcia and John Friede (Friede 2005, vol. I: 251, fig. 222) and a second in the Museum für Völkerkunde, Basel (inv. no. 'Vb 19028', Stoehr 1971: 66, fig. 80).