Chokwe Mask, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Collected in situ by Lore Kegel, 1950s
Acquired by the present owner from the above

Marie-Louise Bastin, "Quelques œuvres Tshokwe de musées et collections d'Allemagne et de Scandinavie", Africa - Tervuren, vol. VII, 1961, no. 4, p. 104, fig. 2
Touring Afrique Centrale, 29e Année, no. 5-6, Mai - Juin 1962, cover

Very good condition overall; losses to the horizontal band of incised cubes on top of the mask, minor nicks and scratches, throughout; fine dark brown patina with traces of red and white pigment; the fiber headdress, probably of younger age then the mask, with little use, fragile with some of the mud attachments missing, others broken.
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.