ASSOMOIR À COCHON, ÎLE D'AMBRYM OU MALEKULA, ARCHIPEL DU VANUATU |

Assomoir à cochon, Île d'Ambrym ou Malekula, Archipel du Vanuatu

Collection Dr. Philippe François, Paris
Tajan, Paris, 3 décembre 2002, Collections océaniennes du Docteur Philippe François, n° 69
Collection Christopher et Anna Thorpe, Sydney
Collection Elizabeth Pryce, Sydney

Very good condition overall. Minor chips, scratches, marks and abrasions throughout consistent with the object’s age and use within the culture. Four large cracks on one side of the hammer, the longest measuring 13cm. Another large crack running vertically up the hammer handle from the base and subsequent splitting of the wood, approximately 13cm long. Another crack to the head of the hammer, and a chip where the crack meets the bottom edge, chip approximately 2cm by 1cm. Other areas of cracking throughout the hammer, including to both faces. Traces of the original white pigment remain around one eye of one of the faces. Fine, dark patina. Small label bearing Elizabeth Pryce collection inv. no. EP-143 at the bottom of the handle.
"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."