Description:

Oceania, Papua New Guinea, ca. mid 20th century CE. A very striking carved wooden animal that appears to be of the crocodilia order, elaborately painted in russet red, chocolate brown, and white to accentuate the various elements of its body. Although an abstract representation, the carver was sure to delineate the animal's toothy snout, bulging cowrie shell eyes, erect penis, jagged crest behind the head, and upcurved tail. In the traditional lifestyle practiced along the tributaries of the huge Sepik River, people live in matrilineal clans, which are called "ghu." Each ghu has a set of totem animals and plants, with birds, fish, reptiles, and other marine animals being the most important. This totemic carving of a crocodile would have been a treasured item to a kin group. Size: 66" L x 6.5" W x 8.75" H (167.6 cm x 16.5 cm x 22.2 cm)

Provenance: private Tucson, Arizona, USA collection, acquired between 1950 and 1985

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#147700

  • Condition: Missing one foot. Expected surface wear with scuffs, abrasions, and a few divots here and there. Otherwise excellent.

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May 21, 2020 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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