MAGNIFICENT DETAILED TAMI ISLAND BETEL NUT MORTAR

Origin:  New Guinea, Morobe Province, Huon Gulf, Tami island  (Provenance: Ex. Leo Fortess collection, Hawaii.  Recently acquired from a New York City collection)

Period/Date:  Circa 1920-30's, possibly older

Materials: hardwood, red ocher, lime, charcoal pigments

Description:  This gorgeous master-carved betel nut mortar is mounted along side its original pestle on a custom bronze base.  The very detailed kneeling ancestor figure with classic broad shoulders features a crocodile clinging to its back.  It retains 80 percent of its red ocher and charcoal paint which is harmoniously applied in a kind of alternating yin-yang fashion.  It has acquired a varied semi-encrusted patina from long use.  The inside walls of the bowl are layered with residue.  Condition is excellent with no mends or restoration.   A very refined high quality example embodying the art of the Tami Islanders.

Dimensions:   Height: 6.25"  (15.5 cm), Width 2.75"  (7 cm), Pestle: 7" (18 cm)

Price:   SOLD

Detail of Crocodile