Description:

Oceania, Papua New Guinea, Sepik River region, ca. early to mid 20th century CE. A handsome wooden canoe model with a crocodile head at one end and a wide, anthropomorphic face at the other end. The sides of the coffin are made from wrapped rattan. A nude human figure with a large phallus lies on his back in the canoe interior, his body decorated with dramatic black and white painted motifs reminiscent of tattoos. Cowrie shells form the eyes of the human figure, the crocodile, and the human head. Size: 7.5" W x 27.25" H (19 cm x 69.2 cm)

The rugged terrain of Papua New Guinea means that the easiest form of travel for its indigenous inhabitants is via dugout canoe, especially in the hilly region around the long inland Sepik River. Canoes were highly decorated with symbols of clans and emblems for safety, speed, and success. In the Sepik region, every canoe was carved with a crocodile head prow.

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

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#142395

  • Condition: Wear on surface commensurate with age along with deposits and small losses to pigment. Rich patina on surface. Excellent remaining detail.

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March 7, 2019 7:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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