STATUE, RÉGION DU BAS SEPIK, PROVINCE DE L'EAST SEPIK, PAPOUASIE-NOUVELLE-GUINÉE |

Statue, Région du Bas Sepik, Province de l'East Sepik, Papouasie-Nouvelle-Guinée

Collection Rudolf Indlekofer (1910-1997), Bâle / Davos
Collection Christopher et Anna Thorpe, Sydney
Michael Hamson, Palos Verdes
Collection Elizabeth Pryce, Sydney

Hamson, Oceanic Art, 2013, p. 34-35, n° 16

Excellent condition overall. Minor chips, scratches, marks and abrasions throughout consistent with the object’s age and use within the culture.Two cracks, one to the rear of the figure approximately 5cm long and the other to the proper left side of the face, approximately 18cm long. A few other minor cracks to the back of the head. Very well preserved pigment. Small label bearing Elizabeth Pryce collection inv. no. EP-31 to the reverse of the base.
"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."

Créée pour incarner des forces mythiques à travers la sculpture, cette figure exprime sa puissance dans la tension de la pose et  dans son visage surdimensionné. Emanation d'une figure mythique, cette oeuvre a probablement été sculptée pour représenter l'esprit kandimboag, l'ancêtre fondateur. Selon Smidt à propos d'une statue très apparentée : « De telles figures étaient exposées dans la maison cérémonielles des hommes et étaient vénérées comme des êtres dotés d’une âme [...] Cette figure a très probablement joué un rôle capital pour assurer le bien-être d'un clan, notamment en ce qui concerne la chasse, l'initiation et l'amour" (Damme, Herreman et Smidt, Sculpture from Africa and Oceania, 1990, p.234-246).  For English version, see sothebys.com