Description:

Oceania, Papua New Guinea, Sepik River region, ca. first half of the 20th century CE. A hand-carved canoe prow depicting the head of a crocodile covered in brown mud pigment. The prow is defined by a lengthy snout with a raised nose, a mouth full of carved teeth, bulging eyes inset with petite cowrie snail shells, a backswept brow, and a broad neckline. The rugged terrain of Papua New Guinea means that the easiest form of travel for its native indigenous inhabitants is via dugout canoe, especially in the hilly regions around the long Sepik River inland region. Canoes have traditionally been highly decorated with symbols of clans and emblems for safety, speed, and success. In the Sepik region, nearly every canoe was adorned with a crocodile-head prow. Size: 19.375" L x 8.5" W (49.2 cm x 21.6 cm)

Provenance: ex-private Hawaii, USA collection, acquired around 1990

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#151988

  • Condition: Small losses to bottom areas behind neckline as shown. Several stable hairline fissures to snout, face, neck, and base, with minor abrasions and nicks, light encrustations, and chipping to original pigmentation. Nice earthen deposits and patina throughout.

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

Artemis Fine Arts

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