AN EAR WEIGHT, TORRES STRAIT ISLANDS |

Edgar Beer, Brussels until 1957
Prof. Hermann Wouters, Ghent University until 1965
Private European Collection

Please note the ear weight appears to be in fine original condition, with deep glossy black patina. There does not appear to be any visible evidence of repair or restoration. This lot is sold with a custom made stand.
"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."

Cf. For images of four related ear weights, see Haddon, Alfred C. et al, Reports of the Cambridge Anthropological Expedition to Torres Straits, The University Press, Cambridge, 1901, Vol. IV, plate X, figs. 1-4 Ear weights of this type were used in the Torres Strait Islands for distending the ear lobes, while also acting as decoration. Although practices differed in each area of the Torres Straits, the main procedure remained the same: the ear lobe of an infant was pierced when the child was very young, with a thin, pointed tool, likely a ter - an implement made of turtle shell- or a thin sharp piece of wood, sometimes called a tol. AC Haddon writes ‘then grasses of increasing calibre were inserted as the hole, laip neb, became larger, till it was of sufficient size to receive a blunt narrow cone of wood, laip tut, which was the name also given to the dumb bell shaped weights used for the distention of the lobe’¹ The process of the full distention of the ear lobe would likely have taken many years.

The ear weight offered here is a laip tut, its size and weight indicates it would have been inserted in to the ear during the latter stage of the distention process. Carved from heavy dark wood and polished, it is lightly decorated with a square incised design which runs down one side of each lobe. The two large drooping lobes are connected by a narrow arched constriction lending the weight its fluid and curvaceous form.

1 AC Haddon, Reports of the Cambridge Anthropological Expedition to Torres Straits, Volume IV, p.9-12