Bwa buffalo mask, Burkina Faso

William Wright, New York
Private Collection, New York
Robert Rubin, New York, acquired from the above in 1978

Museum for African Art, New York, Facing the Mask, September 19, 2002 - March 2, 2003
Museum for African Art, New York, Reflections: African Art Is..., August 4 - December 12, 2005
Sean Kelly Gallery, New York, Primitivism Revisited: After the End of an Idea, December 15, 2006 - January 27, 2006

Frank Herreman, Facing the Mask, New York, 2002, p. 58, cat. 62

Good condition overall for an object of this type and age. Proper left ear broken and glued. Proper right ear restored. Proper left horn with approximately 3 inches of tip broken and glued. Surface loss to outside edge of proper right horn. Age cracks throughout. Nicks and scratches. Wear and tear from traditional use. Aged surface with black and white pigments; black areas covering ears and horns stabilized with varnish.
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.