Louisiade Archipelago, Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea

A fine Massim turtle shell Gabaela. These grand spatulas are actually a presentation item, displaying the important bagi shell currency attachments. Wonderfully carved from a beautiful piece of carapace, with incised motif, most notably the beautiful stylised bird adorning the front and reverse central stem; and delightful open work sections at each end. The bagi shell attachments on this example are long gone; however there is evidence along the piercings that they were indeed once attached. Deep old dark patina, with minor loss evident on one side; in overall fantastic condition. Circa: Late 19th to early 20th Century. Custom mounted.

Height: 26 cm or 10.25 inches
Price: SOLD

Kerama Area, Papuan Gulf, Papua New Guinea

A large old Papuan Gulf “Kap Kap” ornament. Beautifully crafted from a piece of bailer shell, the central openwork shell section held in place by an old Colonial ceramic button; introduced early on as trade beads. This example is of large proportions; and most likely belonged to a man of high status amongst the community. Circa early to mid 20th Century. Custom mounted.

Diameter: 12.5 cm or 5inches.
Price:SOLD

Louisiade Archipelago, Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea

A Sudest Island canoe splash board. Carved from dense wood, the top with wonderful incised abstract motif. The entire surface was originally covered in vibrant red and white “trade” paint, some of which has weathered away from time at sea. Lovely wear on the carved design; from extensive use. In excellent condition. Custom Mounted.

Dimensions: 60 x 41 cm or 23.5 x 16 inches.
Price: SOLD

Maprik Area, East Sepik Province, Papua New Guinea

A charming little Abelam yam mask. Classic form with a solid exaggerated brow and chin. Used to adorn yams at harvest ceremonies. Wonderful old multi-layered pigments indicating repeated use over many harvests. Dark blackened patina from time spent in storage in the kitchen house. In overall excellent condition. Early to mid 20th Century. Custom Mounted.

Height: 20 cm or 8 inches.
Price: SOLD

Nakuma People, East Sepik Province, Papua New Guinea

A wonderful avian sago implement. Used in the production of sago, a staple of the people of this region of the upper Sepik. Carved from hard wood in what could only be described as avian form and highly decorated with abstract motif and facial features. Dark aged patina; with a stable age split running up one side. Mid 20th Century. Custom mounted.

Ex Howarth Collection Melbourne (CH 46).

Height: 54 cm or 21.25 inches.
Price: $750.00 AUD

East Sepik Province, Papua New Guinea

An old and well used Sepik Kundu drum. In classic hourglass form the handle flanked by two masked faces, while the upper and lower sections are covered in classical curvilinear motif. The membrane intact giving a solid sound. Weathered varied patina, with minor loss evident on the base, and a couple of traditional repairs using resin; in excellent condition. Early to mid 20th Century

Height: 43 cm or 17 inches.
Price: Sold

Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea

A huge Massim green stone currency axe. Still traded in parts of Milne Bay to these day as a form of traditional currency. This is a truly ancient example with a smooth surface and beautiful striations in the stone adding to its beauty. One of the largest we have handled in some time; in fine condition. Custom mounted.

Dimensions: 26 x 15 cm or 10 x 6 inches.
Price: SOLD

Lower Ramu River, Madang Province, Papua New Guinea

A great example from the lower Ramu. The tip adorned with a classic ancestor figure surmounted by a stylised crocodile at the very top. Traces of pigment decoration. Weathered from time in the water in great condition. Circa 1960′s. Custom mounted

Height: 54.5 cm or 21.5 inches.
Price: SOLD

Choiseul Island, Western Province, Solomon Islands

An ancient Chiosel island clam shell money ring. Carved from a section of giant clam shell the outer surface calcified from time spent in the elements. Used as a traditional form of currency. Encrusted patina, with some minor loss to the edges evident; in fine condition.

Outside Diameter: 7 cm or 2.75 inches.
Price: SOLD

Java, Indonesia

A fine pair of ancient glass earrings. We acquired these at auction in Sydney a number of years ago; claiming that they were West Papuan glass trade beads. We have searched and searched but found no supporting evidence of this. We did find a reference in a book “A World of Earrings” by Anne Van Cuat Sem; plate 289. Stating that similar glass objects to these were excavated in Java; and dated from the 15th Century during the Majapahit Empire. Weather or not they were then traded with West Papuans is up to you. They are indeed beautiful with undoubted age. Custom mounted; in excellent condition.

Width: 5 & 4 cm or 2 & 1.5 inches.
Price: SOLD