Dogon Heddle Pulley, Mali

Merton D. Simpson, New York
Harold Rome, New York, acquired from the above in 1963 (inv. no. 266)
Ben Heller, New York, acquired from the above
Sotheby's New York, November 29, 1984, lot 146
Martin Lerner, New York, acquired at the above auction

Allentown Art Museum, Allentown, Selections from the African Heddle Pulley Collection of Harold Rome, March 27 - May 2, 1971
The Bruce Museum of Arts and Science, Greenwich, Three African Traditions: the Art of the Dogon, Fang and Songye, January 31 - April 18, 1999; additional venue:
The Museum for African Art, New York, April 30 - August 15, 1999

Allentown Art Museum, Selections from the African Heddle Pulley Collection of Harold Rome, Allentown, 1971, cat. 44
Gerald Berjonneau and Jean-Louis Sonnery, Rediscovered Masterpieces of African Art, Boulogne, 1987, p. 263, fig. 261
Allen Wardwell, Three African traditions: the Art of the Dogon, Fang and Songye, Greenwich, 1999, p. 37, cat. 58

Very good condition for an object of this age and type. Minor marks, nicks, scratches, and abrasions from age and use. Rubbed from handling. Old chip to proper right breast, patinated over. Old chips to feet, also patinated over. Pierced through the head at the ears. The top of the head possibly previously with a pierced crest, now worn down with remant of a hole. Glued old break at proper right side of top of pulley, with some surface tint around break. A surface hole on either side of the break on the reverse from a previous (native) repair. Pulley pierced twice, through top element and through prongs. Minor hairline age cracks to bottom of pulley. Worn around holes for spool. Exceptionally fine glossy dark brown patina. Pierced under both prongs, now permanently attached to base with a post in just the proper right prong. Number "266" painted in white on bottom inside of proper right prong.
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.