Fang Mask, Gabon

Ernst and Ruth Anspach, New York
Alain de Monbrison, Paris, acquired from the above
Private American Collection, acquired from the above

The Museum of Primitive Art, New York, African Tribal Sculpture from the collection of Ernst and Ruth Anspach, November 15, 1967 - February 4, 1968

Museum of Primitive Art (ed.), African Tribal Sculpture from the Collection of Ernst and Ruth Anspach, Greenwich, 1967, p. 11

Stable condition for an object of this rare type and great age, with insect damage throughout. Wood is porous from extensive worming. Chipping, cracks, and small losses around worm holes throughout. Marks, nicks, and abrasions to surface. Some fragile areas with surface breaks at top of both sides of the mask. The area left and right of the nose restored. Some remains of clear glue added for stabilization of fragile areas at back edges and top reverse of mask. Chipping around reverse. Loose cracked section at back proper left side. Losses to both ears. Eyehook from a previous mounting at top of interior of mask. Fine aged surface with remnants of black, red, and white pigment, all stained brown as the result of previous stablization effort. Numbers "17935" and "1112" painted in different hands on reverse. Rectangular paper label with "4979RC" on reverse.
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.