- 15
Mask for Malagan, New Ireland
Estimate
7,000 - 10,000 USD
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Description
- wood, turbo petholatus
- Height 13 3/8 in (34 cm)
tatanua
Provenance
John J. Klejman, New York
Aaron & Joyce Furman, New York, acquired from the above prior to 1970
Thence by descent
Aaron & Joyce Furman, New York, acquired from the above prior to 1970
Thence by descent
Condition
Good condition overall. Nicks, chips, scratches, and abrasions throughout. Scattered insect flight holes and some areas of insect damage. There is a circular hole on the underside of the mask, probably from an earlier mount. Losses to the barkcloth and to the white side of the headdress. Both opercula appear original. Polychrome remains fresh.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
Catalogue Note
A mask (tatanua) such as this would have been danced in malagan ceremonies which honored the dead. Accompanied by the tempo of drums, boards and bamboo sticks, the male dancers either paired off or lined up to dance the masks in public.
An homage to male beauty, tatanua masks depict elaborate coiffures, wide, prominent noses, pierced earlobes, and broad mouths with healthy teeth. See Gunn, New Ireland: Ritual Arts of Oceania, 1997, p. 146 for a more detailed description of the ceremony, transcribed from the German trader Robert Parkinson's first-hand account from circa 190🐻0.