Appuie-nuque, Îles Tami, Golfe Huon, Papouasie Nouvelle-Guinée

Collecté par Lajos Biró (1856-1931), en 1898-99 (n° 499)
Néprajzi Muzeum, Budapest (inv. n° 56828)
Collection Marcia et John Friede, New York
Collection privée

"56828" inscrit à l'encre rouge sous la base, et en creux sur le linteau.

Bodrogi, Art in North-East New Guinea, 1961, p. 93, n° 70

Very good condition overall. Wear consistent with age and use within the culture. Inventory number of the Néprajzi Muzeum engraved to the lintel, and in red under the base 56828. Exceptional brown 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.
"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."

On doit à l'anthropologue hongrois Lajos Biró le premier ensemble significatif d'art de la région du Golfe Huon, collecté avant 1900 pour le Néprajzi Muzeum de Budapest. S'y distingue en particulier un groupe historique de treize appuie-tête provenant des îles Tami, "origine du style et considérés comme les plus élégants" (Bodrogi, Art in North-East New Guinea, 1961, p. 92). Celui-ci relève du type 1, caractérisé selon Bodrogi par "le linteau porté par un seul personnage figurant au centre de la composition, d'une superbe exécution artistique" (idem). Voir Friede  (New Guinea Art : Masterpieces from the Jolika Collection of Marcia and John Friede, 2005, Vol. 1, p. 410 et 411, n° 377 et 378) pour deux appuie-nuque Biró comparables, également entrés dans la collection Jolika de John et Marcia Friede.