Babanki Royal Elephant Tusk, Cameroon

from an African Elephant (Loxodonta africana).

Judith Small, New York, 1960s
Allan Stone, New York, acquired from the above on September 27, 1966

Ravenia Art Festival, Chicago, 1966

Very good condition for an object of this type and age. Hairline age cracks. Chipping around bottom edge. Minor chips and losses in relief decoration. The interior with an old oval shipping label printed with "PICKFORDS LTD / Name / Number" and indistinct handwriting. Tip of tusk curving at the end from a small flaw inherent in the ivory. Permanently mounted on modern metal base. Fine varied aged cream-colored ivory patina, with the high points of relief carving darkened in some areas.
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.

According to Tamara Northern (1984: 133, text to cat. nos. 65 and 66), carved "elephant tusks are among the paramount royal prestige insignia of metaphoric and economic value. Elephant tusks flank the royal stool or are placed so that the Fon [king] may rest his feet on them in token of exclusive appropriation. [...] Typically the precious medium ivory is symbolic of prestige, and as an instrument for numerous icons the carved elephant tusk becomes one of the supreme symbols of kingship."

For a closely related tusk in the Indiana University Art Museum (inv. no. "68.191") see Harter (1986: 98, fig. 121).