Elema Bioma Spirit Figure, Era River Region, Papua New Guinea

Maurice Bonnefoy, New York
Mrs. Balene C. McCormick, Santa Fe, acquired from the above on September 12, 1988

Good condition for an object of this type and age. General marks, nicks, scratches, small chips, abrasions, and minor age cracks throughout. Proper left arm broken and glued at the shoulder. Part of proper right foot broken and glued. Fine aged surface with black and crusty red and white pigment. Flaking to pigment. Scattered remains of insect casings. Undersides of both feet drilled for a previous mounting.
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.

Throughout the Papuan Gulf region, two-dimensional wood sculptures in the shape of figures (bioma) and oval boards with figurative relief carving (gope) were made to attract spirits and provide a place for them to reside.  Arrangements of figures or boards alongside ancestral relics were placed inside the men's houses.