New Ireland Chalk “Kulap” Funery Figure - bf130

Category: Figures, latest pieces

New Ireland Province, Papua New Guinea

These figures play an important role in the complex funeral ceremonies of the people of this region. Carved to represent the deceased relative, and kept in a sacred house or shrine, they are said to embody the spirit of the deceased. Once the ceremony is completed and the spirit has left the Kulap to join other ancestors, they are taken away; broken and either discarded into the bush or sold. This example has a wonderful carved face, and two sections of loss behind the figure where there would have possibly been other figures. Old surface encrustations, in fine condition. Mounted on a custom made glossy hard wood base. Late 19th to early 20th Century.

Height: 29 cm or 11.5 inches.

Price: Price on Application

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Kwoma Mindja Figure - tc20

Category: Figures, latest pieces

Washkuk Area, East Sepik Province, Papua New Guinea

A striking old Mindja figure. In tall elongated form, with a deeply recessed face and long protruding pierced nose. Cut out eyes, and raised open mouth, beautifully decorated in black, white and red natural pigments; which are layers deep indicating repeated ceremonial use. Weathered and encrusted patina with minor loss to the raised ridges on the bottom section, and a small hole hidden behind the nose; in overall excellent condition. Early to mid 20th Century. Custom mounted.

Height: 146 cm or 57.5 inches.

Price: Price on Application

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Papuan Gulf Gope Board - tc21

Category: Figures, latest pieces

Gulf Province, Papua New Guinea

An older and extremely beautiful Papuan Gulf Gope Board. This particular example was collected at the headwaters of the Aria River between Biamaru and Kikori and is know as “Kwoi” in the local language. It has fantastic open form of the carving around the face and stylised body of the figure. Decorated with natural pigments. Weathered patina with some muting of the pigments, and evident insect depredation, which is now stable, and actually adds to the appeal. On the reverse is some charring on the top of the board. In overall fantastic condition. Mid 20th Century.

Height: 140 cm or 55 inches.

Price: Price on Application

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Old Wosera Charm Figure - tc7

Category: Figures, latest pieces

Wosera District, East Sepik Province, Papua New Guinea

A fine little Wosera figure. Carried as a personal charm during hunting and war raids. Carved from light hard wood with fantastic sculptural form. Particularly interesting are the front facing styalised bird beaks that almost join in the centre, reminding us of a Hunstein Garra figure. Deep black glossy encrusted patina, in perfect condition. Mounted on a custom stand. Early to mid 20th Century.

Height: 25.5 cm or 105 inches.

Price: Price on Application

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Old Abelam Female Figure - tc2

Category: Figures, latest pieces

Maprik area, East Sepik Province, Papua New Guinea

A charming little Abelam female ancestor figure. This figure has wonderful simplistic form, with a cute face, and notably are the carved pectoral and head ornament. There are traces of resin on the head which may have held attachments at some stage. Weathered and encrusted with evident insect depredation which is definitely now stable. Mounted on a custom stand. Early to mid 20th Century.

Height: 41 cm or 16 inches.

Price: Price on Application

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Old Karawari Yipwon Fragment - tc38

Category: Figures, latest pieces

Karawari River, Papua New Guinea

A fragment from an older large Yipwon figure, collected by H.M. Lissauer in the 1960’s. Although this figure has seen better days, the striking face and one of the hooked sections still remain intact giving it a dynamic presence. Weathered varied patina, in great condition. Custom mounted.

Height: 83 cm or 32.5 inches.

Price: Price on Application

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Ramu River Ancestor Figure - bf881

Category: Figures

Madang Province, Papua New Guinea

A charming little Ramu ancestor figure, most likely originating from Misingi Village. Carved in tall narrow form with 12 curved protrusions surrounding the minimalist face. Weathered encrusted patina, with one old section of loss to one of the lower protrusions; in excellent condition. Mounted on a custom stand. Early to mid 20th Century.

Height: 60.5 cm or 23.75 inches.

Price: SOLD

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Abelam Female “Yuwibasari” Ancestor Figure - bf877

Category: Figures

Maprik Area, East Sepik Province, Papua New Guinea

An impressive larger Abelam female ancestor figure. Known as a “Yuwibasari” this figure is said to represent women and their contribution towards the Yam planting and harvesting. Carved with great form, and decorated with natural pigments, shell earrings through pierced ears, and human hair attached to the head and genital area. Although not an ancient figure, most likely being carved in the 1980’s; she has fantastic traditional decoration; pierced ears and septum; which you usually only find on older sculpture. A fine looking figure in excellent condition. Mounted on a custom steel display stand.

Height: 140 cm or 55 inches.

Price: Price on Application

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Old Kwoma Avian Paddle Terminal - bf683

Category: Figures

Kwoma People, Washkuk Area, Papua New Guinea.

An old Kwoma paddle terminal. Beautifully carved in Avian form from hard wood and decorated with “trade” paint. This form of bird is a classic symbol of the Kwoma people. Weathered patina with some wear of the pigments from use; in fine condition. A great desktop tribal sculpture.

Height: 17 cm or 6.75 inches.
Price: $350.00 AUD

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Elegant Old Abelam Hornbill Figure - bf675

Category: Figures

Maprik Area, East Sepik, Papua New Guinea

An old Abelam Hornbill figure. Attached to the front gable of the Haus Tambaran, usually alongside the large carved lintel. Carved from hardwood with an exceptionally fine neck and face. Beautiful muted natural pigment decoration; in fantastic condition. Circa mid 20th Century. Mounted on a steel display stand.

Height (not including stand): 67.5 cm or 67.5 inches.
Price: $1400.00 AUD

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