MALANGGAN HEAD, NEW IRELAND

marada, the eyes inlaid with turban gastropod (Turbo petholatus) "cat's eye" opercula.

Robert and Helen Kuhn, Los Angeles, acquired in the 1970s
Leon and Fern Wallace, Los Angeles, acquired from the above

Very good condition overall for an object of this rare type and age. Age crack through proper right side of head and crest extending from bottom post and continuing through left side of crest. Chips and insect damage to chin, crest, and both ears as seen in photographs. Abrasions, nicks and scratches throughout consistent with age an use. Aged patina with red, black, and white pigments. Abrasion to nose. Some fill and overpaint.
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.

Heads like the offered lot were placed on top of bodies made of various vegetal materials such as the trunk of a banana tree, branches and vines. The figure, marada, was rendered in seated posture with upraised arms as if in supplication. Cf. Meyer (1995: 350, fig. 384) for a head by the same artist which was collected before 1900 by John Morison, Mayor of Singleton, Australia.

According to Meyer (loc. cit.), marada "were used in rituals relating to initiation, rain-making and fertility, but precisely who or what they represent is still unknown. They are possibly generic representations of all ancestors. The carved and painted heads of the marada are among the few objects in malagan art that are not discarded and/or destroyed at the end of the ceremony, but are instead retained for use in the next cycle. Very few marada heads are known to exist in the collections."