A SOLOMON ISLANDS FEMALE BUST, NEW GEORGIA OR VELLA LAVELLA ISLANDS

Blackened hardwood, nacre shell inlay and attached (coconut ?) fibre coiffeur

Sotheby's, Tribal Art, Sydney, 28 November 1993, lot 290
Private collection

Appears in good condition overall with all shell inlay intact, some minor cracking to areas of the surface, and in particular along the "spine" at the reverse which appears to have had some infill in an elongated crack which has been reblackened (probably by a restorer). There are some areas where the fibre on the coiffeur has worn away or become de-attached, areas of old shiny patina.
"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."

Naturalistic sculptures of men and women were produced in the New Georgia and Vella Lavella areas in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, often for sale to early European traders. A collection of four similar busts, three female and one male is in the collection of the Australian Museum, Sydney. These busts were collected circa 1910 by Captain A.H. Middenway.