Malanggan Figure, New Ireland

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

Sir Anthony Caro, London
Roberta and Lance Entwistle, London
Private American Collection, acquired from the above

Good condition for an object of this age and type. General marks, nicks, scratches, abrasions, and flaking and losses to pigment throughout. A vertical age crack at back proper right side, extending from integrally-carved base, through body and head, and most of the way up into the headdress. Some other minor vertical age cracks. Some losses and chipping to fingertips. Minor chips around edges throughout. Some black pigment on face of main figure and back of bird between main figure's hands refreshed. Bird finial at top of headdress broken and glued. Bird's head restored from neck up. Permanently fixed to metal plate base. With inventory number "27.591" painted in black behind head; a paper label above the proper right shoulder with stamped or typewritten number "1623".
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.

The majority of New Ireland objects in museums and private collections are from the northern half of the island, predominantly carvings associated with the malagan tradition of funerary and commemorative celebrations.  The present lot is an excellent example of the complex use of interconnecting imagery found in malagan sculptures.  The bird held in front of the body could be a reference to the world of the ancestors who were believed to live beyond the sea.  The two serpents with zigzag bodies at either side connect the spirit with the earth.  The small bird on the figure's head is presumably a clan symbol.