Huge Ancient Abelam Yua Currency Ring – tc67

Category: Other Objects

Maprik Area, East Sepik Province, Papua New Guinea

A huge ancient Abelam Yua currency disc. Carved from a section of giant clam shell “tridacna gigus”. Traditionally used as currency in bride price payments throughout the Abelam region; still to this day. Incised linear motif representing a hornbill beak adorn the top section; with the later addition of red synthetic fibre attachment. These wealth objects are graded on both size and quality; and rest assured this example is definitely A grade. Smooth old handling patina, in excellent condition. Custom mounted. Circa 19th century.

Inside Diameter: 9 cm or 3.5 inches.
Outside Diameter: 25 cm or 9.5 inches.
Price:SOLD

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Beautiful “Poli” Traditional Currency Kabwum Valley – tc68

Category: Other Objects

Kabwum Valley, Morobe Province, Papua New Guinea

An attractive traditional currency object known as “Poli”. Originating form the Kabwum Valley which lies in the Finisterre Ranges between Morobe and Madang Provinces. Skilfully constructed using a piece of coconut fibre as backing, with multiple lines of nassa shell attachments, in abstract motif. Still vibrant red and green applied pigments. Usually used as a form of payment in bride price transactions. Custom Mounted. Mid 20th Century.

Dimensions: 29 x 24 cm or 11.5 x 9.5 inches.
Price: $450.00 AUD

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Abelam Kundu Drum – bf317

Category: Other Objects

Maprik Area, East Sepik Province, Papua New Guinea

An elegant Abelam Kundu drum. Carved from dense wood in classic hourglass form. The centre and lower section highly decorated with curvilinear motif, while the handle bears two spirit faces, and a stylised parrot head on the bottom which has been carved through. Applied natural pigment decoration the lizard skin membrane intact. A great kundu with a fantastic sound; in excellent condition. Mid 20th Century.

Length: 48 cm or 19 inches
Price: $1000.00 AUD

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19th Century Trobriand Islands Drum – bf696

Category: Other Objects

Vakuta Island, Trobriand Islands, Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea

A beautiful old Trobriand islands drum. Hard wood in long narrow form, the handle flanked by what appear to be two nurse sharks while there are stylised frigate birds on the each end of the raised central ridge. There are raised pierced ridges on the base for vegetal attachments added for important ceremonies. The lizard skin membrane intact, and there is a village repair on the handle using found copper wire. The wood displays a varied aged patina with a small area of stable surface rot on the reverse. In overall excellent condition Late 19th Century. Custom mounted.

Length: 68 cm or 26.75 inches
Price: $1500.00 AUD

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Fine Vanuatu Avian Canoe Prow – tc42

Category: Other Objects

Vanuatu / New Hebrides

A fine Vanuatu Avain canoe prow. Carved from hard blond light wood, apparently representing a Tern whose job it is to guide the canoe and sailors home safely. These prow’s are like personalised number plates on sports cars; and this example with the central ridge running from the open mouth through the body; would have once belonged to a man of high status. It has been adorned with incised linear motif along the back of the bird and ridge and outer edges of the central section. Overall excellent condition. Collected in the 1950′s, dating prior to this. Custom mounted.

Length: 60 cm or 23.5 inches
Price: SOLD

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Massim Gabaela Presentation Spatula – bf763

Category: Other Objects

Louisiade Archipelago, Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea

A fine Massim turtle shell Gabaela. These grand spatulas are actually a presentation item, displaying the important bagi shell currency attachments. Wonderfully carved from a beautiful piece of carapace, with incised motif, most notably the beautiful stylised bird adorning the front and reverse central stem; and delightful open work sections at each end. The bagi shell attachments on this example are long gone; however there is evidence along the piercings that they were indeed once attached. Deep old dark patina, with minor loss evident on one side; in overall fantastic condition. Circa: Late 19th to early 20th Century. Custom mounted.

Height: 26 cm or 10.25 inches
Price: SOLD

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Sudest Island Canoe Splashboard – bf755

Category: Other Objects

Louisiade Archipelago, Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea

A Sudest Island canoe splash board. Carved from dense wood, the top with wonderful incised abstract motif. The entire surface was originally covered in vibrant red and white “trade” paint, some of which has weathered away from time at sea. Lovely wear on the carved design; from extensive use. In excellent condition. Custom Mounted.

Dimensions: 60 x 41 cm or 23.5 x 16 inches.
Price: SOLD

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Lower Sepik Kundu Drum – bf623

Category: Other Objects

East Sepik Province, Papua New Guinea

An old and well used Sepik Kundu drum. In classic hourglass form the handle flanked by two masked faces, while the upper and lower sections are covered in classical curvilinear motif. The membrane intact giving a solid sound. Weathered varied patina, with minor loss evident on the base, and a couple of traditional repairs using resin; in excellent condition. Early to mid 20th Century

Height: 43 cm or 17 inches.
Price: Sold

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Large Massim Green Stone Currency Axe – tc61

Category: Other Objects

Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea

A huge Massim green stone currency axe. Still traded in parts of Milne Bay to these day as a form of traditional currency. This is a truly ancient example with a smooth surface and beautiful striations in the stone adding to its beauty. One of the largest we have handled in some time; in fine condition. Custom mounted.

Dimensions: 26 x 15 cm or 10 x 6 inches.
Price: SOLD

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Ramu River Figural Canoe Tip – tc62

Category: Other Objects

Lower Ramu River, Madang Province, Papua New Guinea

A great example from the lower Ramu. The tip adorned with a classic ancestor figure surmounted by a stylised crocodile at the very top. Traces of pigment decoration. Weathered from time in the water in great condition. Circa 1960′s. Custom mounted

Height: 54.5 cm or 21.5 inches.
Price: SOLD

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