Malagan Tatanua Mask, New Ireland

inscribed in black ink "60810 N. Mecklenb. Hefele".

Collecetd by Franz Hefele, 1st officer of the Hamburg-America Line (Hamburg Amerikanische Paketfahrt Actien-Gesellschaft - HAPAG), October 1900 or earlier
Linden-Museum, Stuttgart (inv. no. "60810"), acquired as donation from the above
Ludwig Brettschneider, Munich, acquired from the above, November 8, 1967
John J. Klejman, New York
Private Collection, acquired from the above on February 3, 1969

Very good condition for an object of this type and age. General minor marks, nicks, scratches, and abrasions throughout wood element consistent with age. Age crack to proper right side of face extending from corner of the mouth to top section above eye. Small holes and tears to fabric elements. Some minor fraying and losses to fiber decoration in headdress. White pigment is very thick and crusty with some small chipping/losses. The wood with a fine aged surface and blue, white, red, and black pigment.
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 mask is a classic tatanua type mask, with the characteristic wide jaw and crested headdress dividing the scalp into two distinct areas.  The use of red textile of Western manufacture on both sides of the crest is rare.  Red was an important color in New Ireland, as it was throughout Polynesia, and manufactured red cloth is found on a number of malagan-related masks from the early colonial period. 

According to records at the Linden-Museum, Stuttgart, the offered lot was collected by Franz Hefele, 1st officer of the Hamburg-America Line (Hamburg Amerikanische Paketfahrt Actien-Gesellschaft - HAPAG) and given to the museum with the information "Neu Meckenlenburg, Nord-Westen, Insel Nusa".