Description:

Oceania, Papua New Guinea, Milne Bay Province, Trobriand Islands, Massim people, ca. first half of the 20th century CE. A tall rectangular wooden plank bearing intricately incised curvilinear motifs on one side that are accentuated with white pigment. This type of traditional Massim currency is known as a doba and bears a great value in ceremonial transactions. In recent decades, the Massim people have begun using etched banana leaves as substitutes for the meticulously carved wooden variety. Size: 8.4" W x 21.1" H (21.3 cm x 53.6 cm)

Provenance: private J.H. collection, Beaverton, Oregon, USA, acquired in January 2007; ex-private Boca Raton, Florida, USA collection

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#154830

  • Condition: Several stable fissures and minor abrasions, otherwise intact and excellent. Nice patina throughout and light remains of original white pigment on obverse.

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

Artemis Fine Arts

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