KERALA, SOUTH INDIA | 'Serpent' Canoe (Iruttukkutti Vallam)

the interior relief carved with stylised canoes together with bespoke leather hanging straps specially commissioned by Stanley Seeger after the present lot had been acquired from the below

Galerie Louise Leiris, Paris
David Sylvester (1924–2001)
Sotheby's London, The David Sylvester Collection, 26 February 2002, lot 30

Old marks and scratches. With old repairs. With detachable cared ends. Atmospheric colour. wide 35cm. Acquired from Sotheby's Sylvester collection in 2001 for £28,100 (hammer plus premium)
"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."

This canoe is of a type which have been locally made for many generations. The timber employed, wood from the jack fruit tree, was bound with coconut coir and then sealed with fish oil and pitch. This treatment made these vessels lightweight, watertight tight and hydrodynamic.