Lobale Drum, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Private American Collection
Merton D. Simpson, New York, acquired from the above in 1991

Good condition for an object of this type and age. Some cavities of insect damage in underside. Bottom of front left leg broken and glued (clean break approximately 5 inches from foot). Fine aged dark brown partially lustrous patina.
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 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 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.