Ceinture d'homme, Golfe de Papouasie, Papouasie Nouvelle-Guinée

Wayne Heathcote, Royaume Uni
Antonio Casanovas, Madrid
Collection Marcia et John Friede, New York
Collection privée

Good condition overall. Wear consistent with age and use within the culture: losses to the edge, as visible in the catalogue illustration; an old repair to the second 'roll' of the barkcloth. Areas of old white pigment to the finely incised decoration.
"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."

La bande d'écorce enroulée sur elle-même est ornée d'un décor champlevé très finement gravé et rehaussé à la chaux, envahissant tout la surface visible. Elle se distingue par la qualité de la gravure et la remarquable expressivité du dessin. La largeur de cette ceinture d'homme et la frise de visages d'ancêtres stylisés reflètent le haut statut de l'initié auquel cet ornement était réservé.