Lot 46
  • 46

Pointe de lance, Détroit de Torrès, Australie

Estimate
8,000 - 12,000 EUR
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Description

  • Pointe de lance, Détroit de Torrès
  • wood
  • long. 46 cm
  • 18 1/8 in

Provenance

Collection privée

Condition

Good condition overall. Wear consistent with age and use within the culture. Cord slightly frayed.
"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."

Catalogue Note

Les - rares - pointes de lance à décor anthropomorphe du détroit de Torrès comptent parmi les armes les plus fascinantes. Décrites par Haddon dès 1895 (Evolution in Art: As Illustrated by Life History of Designs), elles étaient utilisées, selon les auteurs, soit pour la chasse et la guerre, soit "lors de cérémonies secrètes afin de blesser rituellement une personne s'étant rendue coupable d'enfreindre une tradition" (Lawrence in Friede, New Guinea Art from the Jolika Collection of Marcia and John Friede, 2005, vol. 2, p. 168). Au prodigieux style du détroit de Torrès s'ajoute ici la très grande délicatesse de la sculpture et de la ligature, mise en valeur par les nuances de la patine profonde.