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

Mendi Area, Southern Highlands Province, Papua New Guinea

A fine Southern Highlands war shield. The front side with a raised medial ridge; the top section with incised triangular motif highlighted with applied natural pigments, and finely pecked motif on the top left and right hand side in the unpainted area. Classic painted motif on the bottom of the shield, the rope handle still present on the reverse. There is an old village repair using wire to a split on the bottom right hand side of the shield, fairly common with old shields collected in the 20th Century. On the handle is attached an old collection label with a catalogue number and stating that the shield originates from the Western Highlands. We feel that this data is incorrect, however it may refer to where the shield was collected. This happens a lot in PNG, pieces can travel the entire length of the country, making field work up there a bunch of fun. Dark smooth patina, with some minor muting to the painted design; in overall wonderful condition. Early 20th Century.

Height: 127 cm or 50 inches.
Price: Australian$5200.00

Yangoru Area, East Sepik Province, Papua New Guinea

A large old Yangoru cassowary bone fighting dagger. Carved from the femur bone of the cassowary bird. The front side highly decorated with incised abstract motif carved in relief, with two piercings on the top “knuckle” For attachments. Deep glossy patina from extensive handling in excellent condition. Early 20th Century; custom mounted.

Length: 37 cm or 14.5 inches.
Price: SOLD

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. Late 19th Century; Custom mounted.

Length: 78 cm or 30.75 inches.
Price: Australian$700.00

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

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: Sold

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

Darling River, New South Wales, Australia

A robust Darling River Aboriginal fighting club. The distal end with a large flared diamond shaped bulbous “mushroom” head. This club is truly an ancient example, and has a wonderful balance throughout. Deep glossy patina, with a few minor chips from use, and a natural occurring split on the back side of the head, which does not detract from its powerful presence. Circa Mid 19th Century. Custom mounted; in great condition.

Height: 57 cm or 22.5 inches.
Price: Sold

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

Wahgi Valley Area, Western Highlands Province, Papua New Guinea

A fantastic Wagi Valley war shield. The front surface brilliantly decorated with classic red and white diamond motif, the top bearing a painted warrior and the words “Wagi Mak 626″. The whole 626 concept is quite humorous however Highlanders take it very seriously when talking of warfare only being fought from 6am until 6pm. Younger Highlanders have their own less serious spin on the saying, when they refer to partying all night from 6 in the evening until 6 in the morning. The shield has a wonderful curvature, and still has the bush rope handles on the reverse. Weathered patina; in excellent condition. Circa 1960.s
Formerly from a private New Zealand collection.

Dimensions: 158 x 58 cm or 62 x 23 inches
Price: Australian$3500.00