LEGA IVORY MASKETTE, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO

made of African elephant (Loxodonta africana) tusk.

Sotheby's London, June 23, 1981, lot 198
Morris J. Pinto, New York, acquired at the above auction
Monica Wengraf, London, acquired from the above
Robert Rubin, New York, acquired from the above on November 4, 1986

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
Southstreet Seaport Museum, New York, Africans in the New World: From Captive Passage to Cultural Transcendence, September 2003 - March 2004

Martha G. Anderson and Christine Mullen Kreamer, Wild Spirits, Strong Medicine: African Art and the Wilderness, New York, 1989, p. 110

Excellent condition overall for an object of this type and age. Minor losses on proper left rim and reverse of mask. Vertical hairline cracks throughout as seen. Fine honey-brown patina with traces of red 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.