RARE New Guinea Blackwater River Spirit Board w/ Ancestor Faces
New Guinea BLACKWATER RIVER SPIRIT BOARD W/ ANCESTOR FACES
Origin: New Guinea, E. Sepik Province, Middle Sepik, Blackwater River Tributary (Provenance: Ex. Collection of Lynda Cunningham Philmont, New York)
Period/Date: Circa 1930s possibly older
Materials: Hardwood (tree section), lime pigments
Description: This rare ceremonial board is deeply carved and was harvested from the exterior of a tree. It is concave like a cylinder sliced in two and has a craggy surface. It was possibly carved with nonmetal tools? However, its textured surface and wear makes it hard to say for sure. It features two boldheart shaped ancestor faces. The top one is more stylized and abstract having two mouths. The body is carved in traditional clan symbols and motifs. In good condition with some very old loss to the lower right edge.
Dimensions: Height 50.25” (127.5 cm), width 10.5” (26.5 cm)