Big-Man" stool supported by two supports, the upper part of which features an ancestor's mask forming the tail of a fish with a three-pointed head, the heads of which rest on the base. The perimeter of the seat is adorned with a motif representing the scales of the mythological crocodile mother, creator of the universe. Wood with wear patina. Label "B147(a)" with provenance: village of Brugnaui (near Ambunti). Dimensions: 31.5 x 22.5 x 17.5 cm. Papua New Guinea. Middle Sepik. Former Crispin Howarth collection, Australia. Ex Galerie Meyer, Paris. Daniel Vigne Collection, Uzès.

Composed of several subsidiaries, the Drouot Group is a major player in the art market. Hôtel Drouot, located in the heart of Paris, has been the world's largest public auction center since 1852. 15 salerooms are available to more than 70 auction houses. The emulation generated by an annual offer of 230,000 artworks from 21 major specialities - from Antiquity to street art - attracts some 3,000 visitors every day. The Group's digital platform, Drouot.com, offers digital sales - Live auctions (live broadcasting and participation in auctions), Online-only auctions (dematerialised auctions) and Buy Now sales (sales of lots at fixed prices). Nearly 2 million items are offered annually by 600 auction houses. Auction news is reported every week in La Gazette Drouot, the leading weekly magazine for the art market and culture published by Auctionspress.