A Magnificent Torres Strait Drum, Papua New Guinea

The 1^st Baron Amherst of Hackney, Didlington Hall, Norfolk (1835-1909) and presumably by inheritance to his descendents
Marie-Ange Ciolkowska, Paris
Christie's, Paris, June 20, 2006, lot 277
John A. Friede, Rye, acquired at the above auction

Musée Dapper, Paris, Vision d'Océanie, October 22, 1992 - March 15, 1993

Haddon, Anthropological Expedition to the Torres Straits, 1908 and later, Volume IV (1912), pp. 364-367 (referenced but not illustrated)
Vincent Bounoure, Vision d'Oceanie, Paris, 1992, p. 103

Good condition overall for an object of this type, age and rarity; long age crack on the top leaning towards the proper left side when seen from the front of the mouth, running towards the concave center of the drum and reaching the corner of the mouth, possibly attesting to a previous fracture of the whole segment (inconclusive); the drum's skin has been replaced in situ by a western canvas; nicks and scratches, wear and tear consistent with traditional use; fine aged dark brown patina with red pigment and lime with partial abrasions.
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.

The Torres Strait Islands are a group of at least 274 small islands which lie in the Torres Strait, the waterway separating far northern continental Australia's Cape York Peninsula and the island of New Guinea. Their inhabitants have produced some of the most impressive art in all of Melanesia. In his discussion of a closely related drum previously in the Masco Collection, now in the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Los Angeles, Wardwell (1994: 106, cat. 38) explains: "Such hourglass-shaped drums are characteristic of the Torres Strait. They are said to have been used mostly on the islands to the west (Haddon 1912: p. 315) and, when played, could be either set on the ground or carried. As no trees of sufficient size grew on the islands of the Torres Strait, it was necessary to import roughly cut pieces from Daudai on the New Guinea mainland. These were then finished and decorated by carvers of the Strait (Moore 1989, p. 37). The drums are fashioned from a single piece of wood, carefully hollowed out, with a circular opening at one end on which the tympanum was set and what appears to be a gaping mouth, perhaps representing that of a crocodile, at the other. Various relief designs in the form of geometric, human, and animal motifs (such as turtles, lizards, hammerhead sharks, skates, and other fish) are carved into the surface."

The Ciolkowska drum, a perfect blend between beauty and power, is arguably the best example of this iconic genre.