Massim Wooden Gabaela Spatula - bf765

Category: Other Objects, latest pieces

Louisiade Archipelago, Milne Bay Province,, Papua New Guinea

An 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.
Width: 25 cm or 9.8 inches

Price: SOLD

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Gawa Island Canoe Splashboard - tc36

Category: Other Objects, latest pieces

Gawa Island, Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea

A 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, and some muting of the pigments from time in the sea. In overall excellent condition. Mounted on a custom steel stand..

Dimensions: 72 x 59 cm or 28.25 x 23.25 inches.

Price:Price on Applictaion

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Papuan Gulf Magic Charm “Marupai” - tc4

Category: Other Objects, latest pieces

Kikori Dirstict, Gulf Province, Papua New Guinea

A 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.

Price: Price on Application

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Old Oro Tapa Cloth - tc39

Category: Other Objects, latest pieces

Oro Province, Papua New Guinea

An old Oro Province tapa cloth. We collected this piece on a recent trip to the D’entrecasteaux Islands, where these objects are often traded or presented as gifts. This particular tapa was a wedding gift for the father of the fellow from whom collected it. It originated from the Popondetta area which like Tufi is know for their fine tapa. It would date form the mid 20th century, has a wonderful design, and considering the time spent in the field is in fine condition, with some minor evident fraying around the outer edge and small holes.

Dimensions: 106 x 50 cm or 41.5 x 19.5 inches.

Price: Price on Application

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19th Century Massim Figural Chiefs Staff - bf846

Category: Other Objects

Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea

A beautiful 19th Century Massim Chiefs Staff. The terminal decorated with two classic crouching Janus figures, and incised decorative scrolling motif. Old loss evident on the figures faces, and some minor insect depredation on the back motif of the staff. Deep glossy patina, in excellent condition. Mounted on a custom steel stand.

Height: 90 cm or 35.5 inches.

Price: Price on Application

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Massim Canoe Prow - bf824

Category: Other Objects

D’Entrecasteaux Islands, Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea

A small beautifully carved Massim canoe prow. Hard wood, and highly decorated with incised abstract motif, the centre containing two opposed frigate birds, while on the top there is a carved cowrie shell, one of our favourite features of this piece. Weathered from time at sea; in excellent condition. Mounted on a steel display stand.

Dimensions: 37 x 15.5 cm or 14.5 x 6 inches.

Price: Price on Application

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Sudest Island Canoe Splashboard - bf751

Category: Other Objects

Louisiade Archipelago, Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea

A large Sudest Island canoe splashboard. Carved from dense wood, the top with wonderful incised abstract motif. The entire surface was originally covered in “trade” paint, a lot of which has weathered away from time at sea. Lovely wear on the carved design; from extensive use. In excellent condition. Mounted on a custom steel stand.

Dimensions: 89 x 48 cm or 35 x 19 inches.

Price: Price on Application

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Woodlark Island Canoe Prow Ornament - bf856

Category: Other Objects

Woodlark Island, Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea

An attractive canoe prow ornament from Woodlark Island. Light wood with lovely openwork carving, and natural pigment decoration. Minor loss evident to one of the carved birds; in otherwise excellent conditon. Mounted on a custom steel display stand.

Height: 35 x 22 cm or 13.75 x 8.5 inches.

Price: Price on Application

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Murik Lakes Triton Shell Trumpet - bf878

Category: Other Objects

Murik Lakes, East Sepik Province, Papua New Guinea

An ancient triton shell trumpet from the Murik lakes area, with an almost fossilised appearance. Dark glossy patina, with minor old loss evident around the mouthpiece, which bears evidence of a native repair. In overall excellent condition. Mounted on a custom steel display stand.

Height: 30 cm or 12 inches.

Price: Price on Application

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Massim Circular Pig Tusk - bf879

Category: Other Objects

Louisiade Archipelago, Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea

A Massim circular pigs tusk. Highly valued amongst the Massim people as a form of traditional trade currency. This is a great example, with a smooth patina on the inside of the tusk from being worn around the wrist as an adornment. Mounted on a custom steel display stand.

Diameter: 10.5 cm or 4.2 inches.

Price: Sold

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