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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. |
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Oro Province, Papua New GuineaAn 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. |
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Milne Bay Province, Papua New GuineaA 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. |
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D’Entrecasteaux Islands, Milne Bay Province, Papua New GuineaA 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. Pre 1950’s. Dimensions: 37 x 15.5 cm or 14.5 x 6 inches. |
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Louisiade Archipelago, Milne Bay Province, Papua New GuineaA 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. |
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Woodlark Island, Milne Bay Province, Papua New GuineaAn 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. |
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Murik Lakes, East Sepik Province, Papua New GuineaAn 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. |
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Louisiade Archipelago, Milne Bay Province, Papua New GuineaA 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. |
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Louisiade Archipelago, Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea.Three 19th Century pig tusk ornaments from the top of a lime gourd. All exhibit a beautiful smooth golden patina from extensive handling. Two with pierced tips for additional bagi attachments. In perfect condition. Mounted on a custom steel display stand. Average diameter of tusks: 12 cm or 4.5 inches. |
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Bangus Village, East Sepik, Papua New GuineaA Kwoma dance wand in the shape of a birds head known in the Kwoma language as a “Wamboi”. These ceremonial objects are used as a dance wand but also as a handle of a kind of ladle for making sago but attaching a coconut bowl to the bound section at the base. Decorated with raised and incised motif on the stem and traces of “trade” pigments. Weathered and encrusted patina, with a couple of stable age splits in fine condition. Mounted on a steel display stand. Height: 53 cm or 21 inches. |
