Description:

Oceania, Papua New Guinea, North Maprik District, Abelam people, ca. early to mid 20th century CE. An intriguing headdress comprised of braided fibrous strands which depict an abstract anthropomorphic face. The strange countenance boasts a tall nose which gradually tapers and curls underneath, a pair of cowrie shell eyes, several large tufts of cassowary feathers, and a pair of curved boar tusks projecting from the top. Strands on the obverse face are embellished with red and blue-grey pigment to complement their natural beige hue, and additional cowrie shells line the wider interior areas of the attachment straps. Headdresses like this example were typically worn during dance festivals or special ceremonies. Display head for photography purposes only. Size (w/ straps): 31" W x 6.875" H (78.7 cm x 17.5 cm).

Provenance: private southern California, USA collection, acquired in the 1970s to mid-1980s

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#147045

  • Condition: One cowrie shell missing along attachment straps. Light loosening to woven strands, with fading to original red and black pigmentation, and minor nicks to boar tusks, otherwise intact and very good. Light earthen deposits throughout.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

November 14, 2019 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of up to 24.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000