Kiriwina Island, Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea

A beautiful Massim Soulava. These important objects play a vital role in the Kula Exchange. A great example of traditional design melded with contemporary introduced materials. Constructed from pearl shell with bannana seed, cowrie shell, glass bead and red plastic disc attachments. Worn as an adornment, or traded as a status or wealth object. All of the attachments show age and signs and extensive handling; in wonderful condition. Mounted on a steel display stand.
Width:19 cm or 7.5 inches.
Price:SOLD

South Australia.

A miniature South Australian Aboriginal broad shield. Carved from a single piece of eucalyptus bark and decorated with natural ochres and pipe clay with emu egg white as a fixitive. Quite an unusual object, with definite age, bearing an old label attached stating that the shield was “Made Lower Murray region. South Aust: by Gollan Seymour (Early 1930′s)”. Weathered patina with some evident stable age splits in the bark, in fine condition. Mounted on a steel display stand.
Ex: Hales Collection Melbourne.
Height: 43 cm or 17 inches.
Price:Sold

Kwoma People, Washkuk Area, Papua New Guinea.

An old Kwoma paddle terminal. Beautifully carved in Avian form from hard wood and decorated with “trade” paint. This form of bird is a classic symbol of the Kwoma people. Weathered patina with some wear of the pigments from use; in fine condition. A great desktop tribal sculpture.

Height: 17 cm or 6.75 inches.
Price: SOLD

Cape York, Northern Queensland, Australia.

A large old sawtooth bill “Anoxypristis cuspidata”. 29 rows of teeth in excellent condition. Old weathered patina, a perfect addition to any natural history collection; with beautiful sculptural form. Definitely one of the largest we have ever had. Circa early 20th Century. Mounted on a steel display stand.

Length: 107 cm or 42 inches.
Price: SOLD

Fijian Islands

An old Fijian Tabua ornament. An important wealth and status object, often exchanged as gifts at weddings and other ceremonial occaisions. A single sperm whale tooth strung on a woven coir cord. Warm golden patina, in fine condition; a perfect example. Circa 19th Century. On the reverse the name “Lavin” is incised, one of its previous owners.
Tooth Width:16 cm or 6.5 inches.
Price:Sold