BWA PLANK MASK, BURKINA FASO

Jay C. Leff, Uniontown, 1960s
Sotheby's New York, October 10, 1975, lot 161
Robert Rubin, New York, acquired at the above auction

Carnegie Institute, Pittsburgh, The Art of Black Africa: Collection of Jay C. Leff, October 24, 1969 - January 18, 1970
The Mary and Leigh Block Art Gallery, Northwestern University, Evanston, Wild Spirits, Strong Medicine: African Art and the Wilderness, September 21 - November 22, 1989; additional venues:
The Lowe Art Museum, The University of Miami, Miami, December 14, 1989 - January 28, 1990
The Columbus Museum of Art, Columbus, February 18 - April 30, 1990
The Worcester Art Museum, Worcester, September 15 - December 1, 1990
Museum for African Art, New York, Material Differences, Art and Identity in Africa, April 10 - October 6, 2003; additional venues:
National Gallery of Canada, Ottawa, September 17, 2004 - January 2, 2005
Sacramento, Crocker Art Museum, April 2 - June 19, 2005
Sean Kelley Gallery, New York, Primitivism Revisited: After the End of an Idea, December 15, 2006 - January 27, 2007

Carnegie Institute, The Art of Black Africa: Collection of Jay C. Leff, Pittsburgh, 1969, cat. 50
Martha G. Anderson and Christine Mullen Kreamer, Wild Spirits, Strong Medicine: African Art and the Wilderness, New York, p. 117
Frank Herreman, Material Differences: Art and Identity in Africa, New York, 2003, p. 30, cat. 20

Good condition overall for an object of this type and age. Vertical age cracks throughout as seen in photographs. Partial losses to black crusty pigment, the remaining parts fragile. Areas of abrasion, wear and tear from traditional use throughout. Upright pointed tips of middle section broken and glued.
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.