Description:

South Pacific, Solomon Islands, ca. 19th century CE. Rare, desirable and a bit macabre carved wooden sarcophagus / reliquary in the form of a large Bonito fish or shark. Carved from a single piece of wood, it is hollowed in the middle to house a human skull - included. A reliquary such as this would be placed high up in the rafters of a boathouse where the canoes would be kept and where men gathered to discuss important community business. Long, almost sword-fish like opened mouth, forked tail and painted in black with circular indentations with original white pigments. Skull has developed a deep golden/brown patina. A fabulous example. Size: 72.5" L x 26.5" W x 11.5" H (184.2 cm x 67.3 cm x 29.2 cm); 17" H (43.2 cm) on included custom stand.

For similar examples see lot 322, Collection Claude Verite, Christie's Paris which hammered for 600,000 Euros, Verite auction in Paris June 17-18 2006 lot 379 hammering for 250 000 Euros, and Pace Primitive Gallery priced at $ 500 000; and The Met (accession number 2017.734a,b).

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex Auguttes Paris April 2017, lot 614

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#154678

  • Condition: Overall in excellent condition with expected scuffs and wear.

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June 4, 2020 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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