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Kerama Area, Papuan Gulf, Papua New GuineaA 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. |
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Maprik Area, East Sepik Province, Papua New GuineaA 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. |
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Choiseul Island, Western Province, Solomon IslandsAn 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. |
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Java, IndonesiaA 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. |
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Burma / MyanmarA wonderful little catapult or slingshot as we call them in Australia. Carved form hard wood; the figure crouching with hands drawn under the chin in an almost “prayer” pose. Dark smooth patina in excellent condition. Mid 20th Century. Mounted on a custom stand. Width: 20.5 cm or 8.25 inches. |
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Mt Hagen Area, Western Highlands Province, Papua New GuineaA large Western Highlands steel war shield. Skilfully crafted from an old flattened 44 gallon drum. Decorated on the front with a painted image of “The Phantom” PNG’s favourite comic character. On the reverse remain the woven bush string handles, and there is a woven bush fibre bilum like fringe running along the upper rim. These steel shields started appearing around the 1950′s-60′s when the weapon of choice in the Highlands was the shotgun, and we have seen same fantastic home-made guns while up there. This one has battle scars on the upper sections from what appears to be axes, and possibly bullets or arrows. Similar examples can be seen in the collection of The National Gallery of Victoria, Australia. Mid 20th Century, in fine condition. Dimensions: 90 x 150 cm or 35.5 x 59 inches. |
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Normanby Island, Milne Bay Province, Papua New GuineaAn interesting little Massim club. Carved in almost dagger like form from black ebony; the centre is decorated in typical Massim curvilinear incised motif, with a square cut hole on the butt end. Possibly intended for close combat, and extremely well balanced, with one of the glossiest almost mirror-like patina’s we have seen in some time. Mounted on a custom steel stand; in perfect condition. Early to Mid 20th Century. Height: 44.5 cm or 17.5 inches. |
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Louisiade Archipelago, Milne Bay Province,, Papua New GuineaAn important Massim spatula. These fine pieces are actually a presentation scepter or wealth object rather than a utilitarian spatula, displaying the important bagi shell currency attachments. This example has only a few of its bagi discs remaining, and uses early glass trade beads a substitutes. Wonderfully carved with two stylised frigate birds at the centre. Varied weathered patina; with minor loss evident at each tip. Early to mid 20th Century. Mounted on a custom display stand. . Height: 37 cm or 14.5 inches. |
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Gawa Island, Milne Bay Province, Papua New GuineaA vibrant Gawa Island canoe splashboard. Carved from dense wood, the top section with wonderful incised and openwork abstract motif, while the body of the board is covered in classic Massim serpent motif. The front surface with applied “trade” pigments some of which has weathered away from time at sea. There is a village repair to a split on the top using nylon fishing line; In overall excellent condition. Mounted on a custom steel stand.. Dimensions: 72 x 59 cm or 28.25 x 23.25 inches. |
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Kikori Dirstict, Gulf Province, Papua New GuineaA Papuan Gulf Marupai. These small ornamented magic charms are skilfully carved from dwarf coconuts, this one has a great “Gope” face with natural pigment infill. They serve as a protective or hunting charm, and are highly valued by people of the Gulf. Shiny patina; in excellent condition. Circa early to mid 20th Century. Mounted on a custom steel display stand. Length: 9 cm or 3.5 inches. |
