Sotheby’s New York – African, Oceanic & Pre-Columbian Art (15 May 2009) – Including Originals - Asmat • Abelam • Sepik • Iatmul • Kwoma • Sawos • Sulka • Tolai • Massim • Gogodala • Marind-Anim • - Papua • Maori • Kanak • Sulaner • Marquesan Islander • Dogon • Bamana • Senufo • Yoruba • Fang • - U.S. (No reserve price)

Crucial reference work with masterpieces from the legendary Friede collection

This is not just an auction catalogue, but an indispensable art-historical document for the serious collector of tribal art. This particular auction (Sale N08552) achieved total sales of no less than $5,693,813 USD. In the market it is regarded as a key publication because of the inclusion of absolute masterpieces from the world-renowned Marcia & John Friede Collection (known from the monumental publication New Guinea Art: Masterpieces from the Jolika Collection). The cover features the iconic, extremely rare half-figure of the thunder god Iriwáke from Urama Island (Kinomere Village, Papua New Guinea), which during this session set a record price.

This catalogue aligns content-wise and scientifically with the absolute standard works within Oceanic and Papua New Guinean art history. It forms a direct cross-reference with indispensable publications such as:
New Guinea Art (Part 1 & 2) – Marcia & John Friede
Oceanic Art – Anthony J.P. Meyer
Oceanic Art – Adrienne L. Kaeppler, Christian Kaufmann & Douglas Newton
Island Ancestors: Oceanic Art from the Masco Collection – Allen Wardwell

This copy forms a perfect unit with other high-quality ethnographic publications in this sale. Bidders are advised to also view the remaining lots in this sale for a unique opportunity to build a specialized library in one go.

Condition: Absolute 'Collectors Grade'
This copy is in neat, unused mint-condition (deadstock). Because of age (17 years) and the type of paper used for the cover, this object is normally very sensitive to handling traces. However, this book has remained almost unopened. To optimally safeguard the integrity of the spine and binding, the auction photos were taken with extreme care at a minimal opening angle of less than 100°. The document shows absolutely no creases, no internal discolorations, and no handwritten notes or other signs of use.

The original, loose Auction Results revenue list is included in identical new condition.

In this sale many high-quality ethnographic publications will be offered, including reference works on Africa, Oceania, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea. This provides a unique opportunity for building or expanding a specialized art-historical library.

Shipping is carried out with high-quality packaging and reliable Track & Trace.

When purchasing multiple lots I apply a fair adjustment to the shipping costs, appropriate to the total volume and insured value.

Pickup is possible in The Hague, Benoordehout (2596GN).