LOBALE DRUM, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO

Collected in Lisala by David Henrion
Acquired by the present owner from the above in the 1990s

Good condition for an object of this type and age. Age cracks running laterally from head to tail of the drum. Some insect damage throughout including a loss at the proper right side near the tail end. Worn from use, particularly on the body where it was struck. Marks, nicks, scratches, chips, and wear throughout. Fine medium brown patina with residue.
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.

For two closely related zoomorphic drums see one in the Musée du Louvre, Paris (Musée de l'Homme, inv. no. "M.H. 96.28.72", previously Musée d'Ethnographie du Trocadéro, inv. no. "39093", gift of Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza; published in Kerchache 2000: 186-187), and a second which was exhibited during the World Exposition of 1897 in the Congolese village recreation in the park of Tervuren, today in the Musée Royal d'Afrique Centrale, Tervuren (inv. no. "RG 36413; published in MRAC 1995: 279 and 393, cat. 250). The offered lot, distinguished by its elegantly elongated neck and the antropomorphic facial features, shows a finely developed patina and wear attesting to decades of ritual use. For another more abstract drum cf. Sotheby's New York, May 14, 2010, lot 145.