Bogia District, Madang Province, Papua New Guinea

This pair of personal adornments are used as stand alone decoration, and also to pin on large shell crowns used at ceremonial occasions. Crafted from fine cassowary bone pins with nassa shells attached using a blend of bush and synthetic string. All over dark encrusted patina from extensive use; in fine condition Circa 1960′s. Custom mounted.

Heights: 16.5 & 17.5 cm cm or 6.5 & 7 inches.

Price: Australian $500.00

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Washkuk Area, East Sepik Province, Papua New Guinea

This fine set was traditionally part of a Kwoma warriors war regalia. These days they are more often used as a ceremonial adornment. The Armband is constructed from bush string with large conus shell discs incorporated into the weave, while the dagger is classically Kwoma, shorter and broader than most Sepik daggers, the top knuckle with shell eyes making the dagger seem even more menacing. All over smooth glossy patina on the shells and dagger, the bush string showing signs of extensive use. Circa 1950′s in excellent condition. Custom mounted.

Diameter of Armband: 14 cm cm or 5.5 inches.
Length of Dagger: 21 cm or 8.25 inches.

Price: Australian $700.00

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Maprik Area, East Sepik Province, Papua New Guinea

This is one of the finest Karahut we have come across in some time. Crafted completely form bush materials. The face with larger cowrie shell eyes above the elongated broad nose, with a healthy coating of natural pigment decoration. Traditionally worn hanging from the mouth during tribal fighting, more often these days as a ceremonial adornment. All over encrusted patina, particularly on the reverse, in excellent condition. Circa 1950′s. Custom mounted.

Height: 33 cm cm or 13 inches.

Price: Australian $650.00

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Bogia District, Madang Province, Papua New Guinea

This beautiful nose piece we collected in the mountain ranges inland from Bogia station. The people of this region wear similar adornments to those along the Ramu River. This example is constructed from a perfect blend of bush and introduced materials. The nylon string used as the body fo the piece preferred to bush string due to it lasting longer in the elements, and also being coloured saving this process. The shells on the example are old and in perfect condition, with a nice layer of encrusted patina. The piece is flanked by one red and blue glass trade bead, and the two feather attachments are suspended on gold chain, which we think is a lovely touch. The previous owner assured me that he made it in the early 1970′s and was still using it at time of collection. In what can only be described as perfect condition. Custom mounted.

Width: 14 cm cm or 5.5 inches.

Price: Australian $600.00

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Boiken Area, East Sepik, Papua New Guinea

An ancient coastal Boiken turtle shell armband. This example so old that the carapace resembles petrified wood. The entire outer surface with deeply cut curvilinear motif; while the inside with a solid encrusted patina from generations of use. These are becoming very rare in the field these days, and are only seen during the occaisional sing sing or when presented as a traditional wedding gift. Late 19th Century; in excellent condition.

Diameter 8 cm or 3 inches.
Length: 10 cm or 4 inches
Price: Australian $1200.00

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Biamaru Area, Papuan Gulf, Papua New Guinea

A fine Gulf ceremonial bark belt. Skilfully carved from a thin piece of bark and decorated with six beautiful Gope style faces around the diameter, and applied natural pigment decoration. Silky smooth patina on the inside of the belt from extensive use; in perfect condition. Mid 20th Century. Custom mounted.

Diameter: 27 cm or 10.25 inches.
Width: 7 cm or 2.75 inches

Price: Sold

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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

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Collingwood Bay, Oro (Northern) Province, Papua New Guinea

A fine hair comb from Collingwood Bay. Carved from a large sheet of turtle carapace. Wonderful natural markings on the translucent body of the comb. Minimal decoration except for two linear bands above the pronged section. A great example of Melanesian ingenuity for using organic materials. In overall excellent condition. Mid 20th Century. Custom mounted.

Height: 30.5 cm or 12 inches

Price: SOLD

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Huon Gulf, Morobe Province, Papua New Guinea

A well loved Huon Gulf pectoral ornament, known in local Yabim language as a “Yabo”. Two fully circular boars tusks bound at the centre using bush fibre binding. These ornaments are highly revered by the people of this region, due to the time and care taken to grow the pig tusks in this fashion; and are generally worn by “Big Men”. We collected this example on a field trip a couple of years ago, and it can only be described as in perfect condition. The Tusks worn smooth from extensive handling. Reputed to be four generations old, we would happily say Mid 20th Century. Custom mounted

Overall Width: 22 cm or 8.75 inches
Tusk Diameter: 11 cm or 4.25 inches.

Price: SOLD

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Western Highlands Province, Papua New Guinea

A Western Highlands wooden arm ornament.Wonderfully carved from hard wood, the entire outer surface covered in classic linear motif. Not a great deal of carving comes out of the highlands; making this quite a rare and unusual item. A great example of Highlands jewellery. Mid 20th Century. Custom mounted.

Length: 10cm or 4 inches.
Diameter: 9 cm or 3.5 inches.

Price:SOLD

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