Vanuatu / New Hebrides

A fine Vanuatu Avain canoe prow. Carved from hard blond light wood, apparently representing a Tern whose job it is to guide the canoe and sailors home safely. These prow’s are like personalised number plates on sports cars; and this example with the central ridge running from the open mouth through the body; would have once belonged to a man of high status. It has been adorned with incised linear motif along the back of the bird and ridge and outer edges of the central section. Overall excellent condition. Collected in the 1950’s, dating prior to this. Custom mounted.

Length: 60 cm or 23.5 inches

Price: SOLD

Murik Lakes, East Sepik Province, Papua New Guinea

An attractive Murik Lakes betel mortar. The bowl supported by a central stem which is adorned with incised abstract motif, and flanked by three classic ancestor figures which appear to be almost guarding the mortar. This piece was collected in 1969, and has definite signs of age and use prior to this. The edges soft and round from handling and patches of the the pigment decoration have come flaking away with age. A great example in excellent condition.

Height: 13 cm or 5.1 inches

Price: $850.00 AUD

Fiji

A fine example of this style of Fijian club. Dense wood; the distal end beautifully carved with deep fissures around the bulbous head tapering down to the slender handle which is adorned with “Tavatava” motif worn down from extensive handling prior to collection. This is a little gem, and just holding it you get a feel for the real damage that it would do……….and maybe has done. Deep old glossy patina, with a small section of depredation on the reverse of the handle in overall excellent condition. Circa 18th/ early 19th Century. Custom Mounted.

Ex Dirk Hudig Collection New Zealand.

Height: 43 cm or 17 inches

Price:Sold

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

Kuminimbis Village, Maprik Area, Papua New Guinea

A beautiful old Abelam lime gourd complete with an adorned cassowary bone lime stick. The calabash has been manipulated while being grown into an elongated vessel and decorated with pyro-incised abstract motif. While the Cassowary bone lime stick has fantastic handling patina; and is adorned with a woven stopper; a single dog tooth and small band of shell discs. Dark old handling patina; in excellent condition.Circa early to mid 20th Century. Custom mounted.

Height: 43 cm or 20.8 inches.
Price: $650.00 AUD

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: $1000.00 AUD

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: $750.00 AUD