Washkuk Area, East Sepik Province, Papua New Guinea

This fine set was traditionally part of a Kwoma warriors war regalia. These days they are more often used as a ceremonial adornment. The Armband is constructed from bush string with large conus shell discs incorporated into the weave, while the dagger is classically Kwoma, shorter and broader than most Sepik daggers, the top knuckle with shell eyes making the dagger seem even more menacing. All over smooth glossy patina on the shells and dagger, the bush string showing signs of extensive use. Circa 1950′s in excellent condition. Custom mounted.

Diameter of Armband: 14 cm cm or 5.5 inches.
Length of Dagger: 21 cm or 8.25 inches.

Price: Australian $700.00

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Lower Murray River, South Australia, Australia

An ancient Aboriginal Leangle Club. Carved from extremely hard wood, in classic form, the raked beak like distal end with beautiful fiddle back on the inside of the curve. The handle decorated with a a classic “rat-tail” grip below incised linear motif. All over smooth glassy blackened patina from extensive handling. Along the back edge is an old age split, and the front of the club above the grip bears an old collection number, as well as traces of another label, most of which has gone. In overall excellent condition. Mid 19th Century. Custom mounted.

Length: 69 cm or 27 inches.
Length of Head: 21 cm or 8.25 inches

Price: Australian$3800.00

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Flinders Ranges Region, South Australia, Australia

A fine hard wood Aboriginal boomerang. Carved from hard Mulga wood with fantastic sweeping form; the front surface with incised geometric motif, most likely using a possum tooth implement and evidence along all edges of extensive use. Deep glossy patina in excellent condition. Mid to late 19th Century; Custom mounted.

Length: 71 cm or 28 inches.

Price: Sold

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Flinders Ranges Region, South Australia, Australia

A fine hard wood Aboriginal Club. The entire distal length with deeply carved striations, while above the spinifex resin handle are incised geometric designs. Deep glossy patina in excellent condition. Mid to late 19th Century; Custom mounted.

Length: 78 cm or 30.75 inches.

Price: Australian$850.00

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Monu Village, Irian Jaya / West Papua

A dramatic Asmat war shield of monumental proportions. This is definitely one of the more interesting examples we have found in some time. Carved from light hard wood in elongated leaf form; the front surface completely covered in raised abstract motif. The top bears a classic Asmat ancestor head, as does the top and bottom of the lug handle on the reverse. Painted using natural pigments. Weathered patina in excellent condition. On the reverse attached to the Handle is an old collection label stating: “W Asmat Shield, Monu Village, Artist: Beti”. Mid 20th Century

Height: 198 cm or 78 inches

Price: Australian $6500.00

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Flinders Ranges, Northern South Australia

A beautiful and early Flinders Rangers Aboriginal shield. Carved from dark dense mulga wood, in stout solid form; for use as a shield and also being solid enough to do its own damage while parrying the enemy away. The front surface with curved bands of incised linear motif extending out form the circular motif at centre. The same motif runs around the back edge of the shield and lug handle. The patina is so glossy that it was almost hard to photograph due to the highly reflective surface. Mid 19th Century, in excellent condition. Custom mounted.

Height: 52 cm or 20.5 inches.

Price: Sold

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Darling River, New South Wales, Australia

An early Darling River Aboriginal fighting club. Fashioned from hard dense wood; the distal end with a large bulbous striking head. A fine example, with a perfect balance. Deep dark glossy patina; in perfect condition. Circa Mid 19th Century. Custom mounted.

Height: 74 cm or 29 inches.

Price: Australian$1600.00

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Western Australia

A fine stone carved Western Australian Wunda Shield. The incised zigzag striations adorning the front surface incredibly fine, with the beautiful looseness of carving seen in early examples. The rear with vertical lines which extend across the solid handle, most of which have been worn down from extensive use. Still vibrant natural ochre decoration. Minor battle dings around the outer rim, with a genuine old patina. Mid to late 19th century; in truly excellent condition. Custom mounted.

Ex Sotheby’s 2004 Melbourne Australia.

Height: 90 cm or 35.5 inches

Price: Sold

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Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea

A beautiful Massim war club. Skilfully carved from black palm in sword like form; the front side highly decorated with incised abstract motif. The handle terminating in stylised open mouthed frigate bird. Remnant natural pigments can bee seen on the handle and reverse. Weathered patina; in excellent condition. Custom mounted. Early 20th Century.

Ex Richard Berry Collection, Melbourne.

Height: 104 cm or 41 inches.

Price: Australian$1750.00

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Erromango Island, New Hebrides / Vanuatu

A fine old New Herbirdes war club. Carved from solid dark reddish iron wood. The distal end nicely flared to the flat tip, while the handle is in classic Phallic form. I always get a giggle at the way so many Oceanic clubs have this Phallic handle, says something about us men and what we like to fight with. Circa mid to late 19th Century. Custom mounted; glossy patina in excellent condition.

Ex Richard Berry Collection, Melbourne.

Length: 94 cm or 37 inches.
Price: Australian$1700.00

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