Masque en vannerie, Boiken, province du Sepik de l'Est, Papouasie Nouvelle-Guinée

Collection Alexis Bonew, Bruxelles

Good condition overall. Wear consistent with age and use within the culture. Pigments partly erased as visible in the catalogue illustration. 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.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Ce petit masque en vannerie ornait à l'origine une monnaie cérémonielle talipun en coquillage. "En général, les talipun décorés [d'un masque] sont utilisés lors de cérémonies de mariage" (Kaufmann in Peltier et Morin, Ombres de Nouvelle-Guinée, Arts de la grande île d'Océanie dans les collections Barbier-Mueller, 2006, p. 410).