Boki Head, Cross River Region, Nigeria

Francine Maurer, Wadgassen
By descent from the above
Pierre Bergé & Associates, Brussels, June 7, 2007, Lot 418, consigned by the above
Rut Van Caelenbergh, Brussels
Karl-Ferdinand Schädler, Munich, acquired from the above
European Private Collection, acquired from the above

BRUNEAF: Brussels Non European Art Fair XVIII, Brussels, June 4 - 8, 2008

Rut Van Caelenbergh (adv.), BRUNEAF: Brussels Non European Art Fair XVIII, Brussels, 2008, p. 111

Good condition for an object of this type, age, and material. Marks, nicks, scratches, abrasions, cracks, and small chips consistent with age and use. Age cracks including one to top proper right side of forehead. Fine aged surface with flaking and chipping red and black pigment. Coiffure of woven fiber attached with nails, partially covered in ritually-applied sacrificial materials including feather fragments and eggshells, crusty, crumbling, and with losses. Inventory number "08-25" painted in white underneath.
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.

For a related mask in the Musée Barbier-Mueller, Geneva, see Hahner-Herzog, Kecskési and Vajda (1997: 264, cat. 156).