Masque, Groupe Chambri, Lac Chambri, Cours moyen du fleuve Sepik, Papouasie Nouvelle-Guinée

Renaud Vanuxem, Paris
Collection Marcia et John Friede, New York

Very good condition overall; wear consistent with age and use within the culture. Encrusted patina with fine polychrome decoration to the front; worn patina to the rear.
"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."

Au dos, la surface plane du masque en bois dense indique qu'il était utilisé soit comme ornement de pignon, soit fixé à une structure conique en vannerie appelée mvaï sava, à l'instar des masques mvaï des Iatmuls. Comme ces derniers, il se caractérise par la ligne médiane s'étirant depuis la coiffe jusqu'au menton qu'elle rejoint à l'aplomb du visage, et par la richesse des parures faciales, témoignant des échanges anciens entre ces deux groupes voisins.