Pacific Rim, Oceanic and Other Tribal Artifacts

Iatmul War Trumpet — Papua New Guinea Early to Mid 20th Century An old and exceptional war trumpet from the Iatmul people, Korewori River, Middle Sepik Region of northeast Papua New Guinea. This fine example features traditional geometric designs terminating with a crocodile head, all carved with stone tools. A wide band near the center has Nassa shell inlays. The shells imbedded into thick hardened resin. These unusual 'side blown' trumpets, associated with warfare, are played by blowing (while vibrating the lips) into a hole on the side. Among the Iatmul people, side-blown trumpets were sounded after raids to announce the arrival of the warriors as they returned to their village with prisoners or enemy heads. Like many Iatmul instruments, the trumpets were often played in pairs by two men who sounded them in alternation. In near choice condition with expected surface weathering, minor surface cracks and wear from extended tribal use. Some shell losses, mostly on the underside. A large example that displays dramatically on the included custom metal display stand. Museum deaccession. Ex. Aase B. and Frederick C. Thompson Foundation. Ex. Samuel P. Harn Museum of Art. Ex. Cichon Tribal Arts; all of Florida. Approx. 25.5" long. Approx. 12" tall on the stand $1000

Hunstein 'Garra' Hook Mask — Papua New Guinea 20th Century A beautifully carved wooden 'Garra' hook mask from the Hunstein Mountains of Papua New Guinea. This large hook mask is of elliptical form with concentric hooks framing the central face. Covered with gray-black pigment overall, the face features boar tusks nose ornaments, cowry shell eyes and bone (or teeth) ear plugs. There are feathers tied with natural fibers around the outer edge. These types of masks are made by the Bahinemo people of the Upper Sepik River. The Bahinemo believe the Garra masks represent bush spirits and wise, old (ancestoral) men. The hooks are seen as stylized hornbill beaks which aside of their decorative effect have a symbolic meaning. The Great Hornbill is related to the soul, ancestors and the spirit world. The Garra, meaning 'sacred object', are carried by male dancers during initiation ceremonies, then were hung from the rafters in the Men's House. In fine condition with light surface weathering and edge wear. An impressive and very large example. Ex. European private collection. Approx. 34" tall, 12" wide and 8" deep SOLD

PNG Carver's Model — Papua New Guinea Mid-20th Century An extremely rare carver's "reference model" from Papua New Guinea's Coastal Sepik region. A model or miniature version of the side of a garamut slit drum. Carvers in the Schouten Islands would sometimes make (one-off) carvings like this as a visual reference of a favorite design. A kind of reminder on how something looked so it could be reproduced at a later date. Intricately carved in traditional designs with bird-head handles as would be seen on an actual slit drum. Condition is quite good. One bird beak is cracked, very minor chips and losses. General wear and weathering consistent with age. Some insect damage on the back. A unique and very interesting artifact, seldom seen in today's market. An attractive piece that displays beautifully on a custom metal stand which is included. Approx 16" long x 4" tall. Approx 6.5" tall on the stand. $375

PNG Yam Mask — Papua New Guinea Late 20th Century A nice basketry (woven fiber) yam mask from the Abelam people of the East Sepik Province. Made from woven natural fibers and painted with colored pigments. This example is in the typical style, finely woven with open-work mouth, nose, eyes and headdress. Painted in shades of red, yelllow, black and white. Condition is in near choice. Some light fraying along the nose, else intact. One of the major focuses of ceremonial life among the Abelam people is the competitive growth and exchange of large yams. A man's social status is determined largely on his ability to cultivate special ceremonial yams which can grow up to 12 feet long. At the harvest yam festival they are prominently displayed in front of the ceremonial house. These masks are used to decorate the larger, most important yams. Lavishly adorned for the presentation ceremony, the finest yams are essentially transformed into human images, decorated in the manner of men in full ceremonial regalia. The "heads" of the enormous tubers are adorned with specially made yam masks such as this one, which are made exclusively for yams and are never worn by humans. Approx 8" wide x 10" tall. $150

PNG Pottery Collection — New Guinea Mid-20th Century A rare collection of pottery vessels from Papua New Guinea. Originally collected around 1960 from the (Latmul speaking) village of Aibom, which sits inland off the middle Sepik River in the Chambri Lakes region. Nicely sculpted in the traditional style, each are "janus" type, with similar designs on each side. All are basket-form with birds adorning each side of the handles. In very good condition. All have a few glued breaks as well as minor chips and dings. Generally near choice with strong paint. They show no sign of tribal use and are most likely early tourist pieces. Still a great collection of mid-century PNG pottery pieces. Damage could easily be restored, but display beautifully in their current condition. Not for sale individually. These were all acquired together and I prefer to keep the collection intact. Heights range from 7" to 4.5" tall SOLD