Collier, Îles Marshall, Micronésie

Herbert Tischner, Hambourg
Collection Lemaire, Amsterdam
Transmis par descendance 

Good condition overall. Wear consistent with age and use within the culture. Old break formerly glued between the second and the third (from right) openwork elements of the sperm whale ivory. The evolution of all materials evokes a slow process, requiring many decades. Ivory is regularly oxidized over its entire surface with a beautiful yellow ocher color. Ditto for the oyster shell beads which are entirely preserved.
"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."

Les coquillages - qui servaient également de monnaie - sont ici finement taillés et assortis pour composer cet ornement conférant à son propriétaire beauté, prestige et protection. Jouant sur la variété limitée des matériaux disponibles sur les îles Marshall, ce rare collier se distingue par la délicatesse des nuances et l'élégance de sa forme. Voir Kaeppler, Kaufmann et Newton (L’art océanien, 1993, p. 145, n° 100 et 101) pour deux colliers comparables ; l'un orné comme ici d'une plaque ajourée en os de cachalot, l'autre en écaille de tortue conservé au Linden-Museum de Stuttgart.