Statuette, Murik, Embouchure du fleuve Sepik, Papouasie Nouvelle-Guinée

Collecté in situ par le Dr. Albert Hahl (1868-1945), entre 1902 et 1914
Linden Museum, Stuttgart (inv. n° L. 1482/4)
Collection privée

"L.1482/4. Sepik. Slg Hahl" inscrit à l'encre noire sur le mollet gauche, et "L.1482/4" à l'arrière de la tête

Very good condition overall. Wear consistent with age and use within the culture. 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."

Gouverneur de la  Nouvelle-Guinée allemande entre 1902 et 1914, le Dr Albert Hahl y encouragea la recherche scientifique dans maints domaines, notamment en soutenant la Deutsche Marine Expedition (1907-09). Tout en œuvrant à la constitution d'une collection personnelle, il participa activement à la politique de collecte d'artefacts destinés aux musées d'ethnographie allemands, privilégiant en particulier, comme pour cette sculpture, le Linden Museum de Stuttgart.

Cette statuette kandimboang - ancêtre clanique qui accompagne, sous la forme d'une image sculptée, chaque individu à toutes les étapes de sa vie - se distingue par la rare puissance des volumes, dont le traitement en plans juxtaposés accentue la saisissante dynamique.