Lot 33
  • 33

Masque, Bas Sepik, Papouasie-Nouvelle-Guinée

Estimate
12,000 - 18,000 EUR
bidding is closed

Description

  • Masque, Bas Sepik
  • wood
  • haut. 39,5 cm
  • 15 5/8 in

Provenance

Collection Gustave et Franyo Schindler, New York
Collection Frederick et Ingrid Schindler, New York, ca. 1960
Transmis par descendance 

Condition

Good condition overall. Wear consistent with age and use within the culture.The carving of the face is very well preserved with beautiful remains of white lime pigments. Insect holes throughout the face. Slightl erosion to the edges, particularly to the rear. Old indigenous repairs with encrusted rattan to the lower part of the proper hand side of the mask.
"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

Ce masque s'inscrit dans un corpus très restreint, originaire de la région du Bas Sepik. Il s'apparente étroitement à ses témoins les plus remarquables, tous conservés dans des institutions muséales : Museum Fünf Kontinente de Munich (inv. n° MU 16.36.184), Melbourne Museum (inv. n° 37814), Museum Volkenkunde de Leyde (inv. n° RMV 2880-3), Tropenmuseum d'Amsterdam (inv. n° 2670-92) et Museum der Kulturen de Bâle (inv. n° Vb 8724). 

Acquis in situ au début du siècle, ces masques présentent le même visage oblong, marqué par la projection en très haut relief de la bouche et du nez. Les motifs polychromes identifient quant à eux l'esprit représenté. Ici d'une grande délicatesse, ils concentrent l'attention sur les petits yeux circulaires, permettant ainsi « par la puissance du regard, de rendre palpable la présence d'être surnaturel » (Peltier, Schindlbeck et Kaumann, Sepik. Arts de Papouasie-Nouvelle-Guinée, 2015, p. 250).