Masque, Dayak-Iban, Sarawak, Bornéo

Galerie l'Île aux Démons, Paris, vers 1970

Exposition:
Musée Rath, Genève, Art des Indonésiens archaïques, 1981

Publication:
Stöhr (sous la dir. de), Art des Indonésiens archaïques, 1981 : 116, n° 71

Good condition overall; wear consistent with age and use within the culture. Some scratches, wear, and hairline cracks. Some wear to the patina, as visible in the catalogue illustration. Traces of white pigment to the mouth.
"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."

Ce très ancien masque de chaman se distingue par le volume et la puissance du visage dont la teinte sombre a conservé la trace des lignes blanches soulignant à l'origine la bouche, les yeux et le front. Porté par le chaman « lors des cérémonies où il prenait la personnalité des êtres surnaturels qu'il appelait à l'aide » (Gavin in Newton, 1998 : 71) ou celle d'un ancêtre révéré, il intervenait pour la guérison des malades, la neutralisation d'un démon, etc. Les chevilles de bois parcourant le visage servaient à fixer la parure en poils de singe cernant à l'origine la face.