Monu Village, Irian Jaya / West Papua

A dramatic Asmat war shield of monumental proportions. This is definitely one of the more interesting examples we have found in some time. Carved from light hard wood in elongated leaf form; the front surface completely covered in raised abstract motif. The top bears a classic Asmat ancestor head, as does the top and bottom of the lug handle on the reverse. Painted using natural pigments. Weathered patina in excellent condition. On the reverse attached to the Handle is an old collection label stating: “W Asmat Shield, Monu Village, Artist: Beti”. Mid 20th Century

Height: 198 cm or 78 inches
Price: Australian $6500.00

Fiji

An old and extremely well used Fijian bark cloth “tapa” beater. Carved from heavy dense wood, with three of the four flat sides used to beat the bark adorned with incised linear striations; while the last surface remains without carving. Dark old glossy patina, circa 19th Century in excellent condition. Custom mounted.

Ex Richard Berry Collection, Melbourne.

Height: 36 cm or 14 inches
Price: SOLD

Collingwood Bay, Oro Province, Papua New Guinea

A fine early Collingwood Bay lime spatula. Carved in slender form; the handle classically segmented, with incised linear motif, bearing traces of natural red and possibly rekkits blue pigments. At the centre of the handle are four carved holes, presumably for seed or shell attachments. All over deep glossy handling patina; the tip nicely betel stained in perfect condition. Late 19th Century; custom mounted

Length: 44 cm or 17.25 inches.
Price: Australian$2800.00

Vakuta Island, Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea

An elegant Massim “Mwali”; Kula trade object. Traditionally worn as an arm ornament. The large central conus shell ring, with 5 large egg-shell cowrie shell attachments. Beautifully adorned with, jobes tears and other seeds; glass and metal beads and three large suspended seed attachments. These objects are important in the complex Kula system practised throughout parts of Milne Bay Province. Wonderful old encrusted patina on all of the shell’s; in excellent condition. Circa 1960’s, custom mounted.

Width of shell section: 23 cm or 9 inches.
Price: Australian$1400.00

Darling River, New South Wales, Australia

An early Darling River Aboriginal fighting club. Fashioned from hard dense wood; the distal end with a large bulbous striking head. A fine example, with a perfect balance. Deep dark glossy patina; in perfect condition. Circa Mid 19th Century. Custom mounted.

Height: 74 cm or 29 inches.

Price: Australian$1600.00

Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea

A large old Massim lime spatula. The handle decorated with two “Janus” figures in classic pose. On the front and reverse of the stem is a raised carved snake, usually found on early examples. Remnant lime infill on the motif surrounding and covering the figures and the body and facial details of the snake. The tip nicely betel stained. Deep glossy handling patina. Circa late 19th to early 20th Century; in excellent condition. Custom mounted.

Height: 39.5 cm or 15.5 inches.

Price: Australian$2000.00

Nagaland, North Eastern India

A stunning old Naga necklace. A beautiful mix of clam shell red coral, & glass beads strung on natural fibre string. Shell and coral were highly valued amongst these mountain people making this an ornament that would have been held in very high regard. Smooth surface patina on all of the beads, in what can only be described as perfect condition. Early to mid 20th Centruy; custom moutned.

Height: 68 cm or 27 inches.

Price: Australian$1200.00

Papuan Gulf, Papua New Guinea

A beautiful old Gulf turtle shell arm ornament. Skilfully carved from thick piece of carapace; and highly decorated with incised abstract linear motif. On the upper rim are two carved holes, presumably for seed or shell attachments. Soft rounded edges form extensive wear in excellent condition. Early 20th Century.

Diameter: 8 cm or 3.1 inches.

Price: Australian$1200.00

Aibom Viallage, Chambri Lakes, East Sepik Province, Papua New Guinea

An attractive Aibom sago storage pot. Sculpted usually by women, and decorated with a zoomorphic avian face with a large toothy grinning mouth. You have to love the flare of these ceramic artists; for the way they beautifully decorate their day to day utilitarian objects. Applied natural pigment decoration. Mid 20th Century; with signs of extensive use, excellent condition.

Height: 27 cm or 10.5 inches.

Price: SOLD

Kimberley Region, Western Australia

A fine Aboriginal pearl shell ornament. Commonly known by their central Australian name as Longkalongka also spelt Lonka Lonka. These objects were originally made in the Kimberley region; where they are known as “Riji and Jakoli”. Traditionally traded, throughout Western Australia, the Northern Territory and South Australia. They serve a variety of purposes as personal adornments, also as ceremonial and magic objects. This example dates form the late 19th to early 20th century, has a beautiful linear design. On the outer rim there are a couple of small chips; which do not detract from the over all beautify of this fine object. Custom mounted.

Height: 15 cm or 6 inches.
Price: Australian $1250.00