Description:

**First Time At Auction**

Oceania, Papua New Guinea, Murik Lakes region, ca. early to mid-20th century CE. A coconut half-shell ladle or dipper with a hand-carved wooden handle. The handle is attached to the scoop portion with resin-coated metal wire, though it would have originally been secured with tightly-wrapped reed strands. The handle boasts an openwork presentation depicting an crocodile with a slender body, a curved tail which supports the scoop, and a projecting head with beady eyes and a bulbous nose. Ritual ladles like this are symbolically valuable items that are handed down from mother to daughter in a sacred cleansing ceremony. Custom museum-quality display stand included. Size: 4.4" W x 12.5" H (11.2 cm x 31.8 cm); 14.5" H (36.8 cm) on included custom stand.

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

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#140762

  • Condition: Shell ladle has several stable fissures. Handle has minor nicks and fading to some finer details. Original reed strands replaced with resin-coated wire. Light earthen deposits throughout, and nice patina across wooden handle.

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December 20, 2018 7:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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$300 $999 $50
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$2,000 $4,999 $250
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$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