- 20
Figurine en écaille de tortue, San Cristobal, Îles Salomon
Estimate
12,000 - 18,000 EUR
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Description
- Figurine en écaille de tortue, San Cristobal
- tortoise-shell
- haut. 20 cm
- 8 in
Provenance
Collection Lemaire, Amsterdam
Transmis par descendance
Transmis par descendance
Condition
Good condition overall. Wear consistent with age and use within the culture. Exceptionnal size and thickness of the scale with a beautiful transparency typical of toirtoise-shell. The top of the shell shows many scratches while the interior is very well preserve; in addition to the pattern obtained by thermoforming, growth orbs are visible and certifies the advanced age of the specimen.
"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."
"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
Cette plaque ouvragée dans une très belle écaille de tortue représente un des esprits de la mer (akalo ou akaro ni matawa) - entités essentielles dans les îles Salomon orientales. Si leur apparence « est plus ou moins humaine, de grands poissons skipjacks - les mwanole - jaillissent de l'articulation des genoux et des coudes, et des épaules, des pieds et de la taille » (Ivens, Melanesians of the Solomon Island, 1927, p. 200). La tête de l’esprit est également signifiée par un poisson.
Ces figures, généralement sculptées en bois, étaient fixées au pignon frontal des abris à pirogues et des maisons traditionnelles. Cette sculpture est remarquable par la délicatesse du matériau et la tension des lignes, qui capturent de manière saisissante la silhouette animée de l’esprit de la mer.