FINE QUALITY New Guinea Sepik PECTORAL ORNAMENT
FINE QUALITY New Guinea SepikPECTORAL ORNAMENT
Origin: New Guinea, E. Sepik Province, Lower Sepik, possibly Keram River? (Provenance: Private French collection. Ex. Michel Thieme- Amsterdam)
Period/Date: Early 20th C.
Materials: Bush string, plated fiber, Nassa and Cowrie shells, trade bead, red pigment
Description: Here's a monumental miniature with fabulous presence and impact! It would have been worn on the body for protection during hunting, warfare or canoe journeys. The zoomorphic spirit figure is rendered with a tapering snout with large circular dished eyes embellished with nassa shells. There is remnant red pigment in the eye cavity. The singular blue glass trade bead would have increased the status and prestige for the owner. This object is also in the category of "wealth object" in my view and could have been an important trade object as well. In good condition with some fading and showing wear and use. Presented on a custom metal display stand.
Dimensions: Length 5" (13 cm), Width 3.25" (8.5 cm)