Description:

Oceania, Papua New Guinea, ca. mid-20th century CE. A fine set of two hand-woven bags known as "bilums" (singular bilum) which are used for carrying food, medicine, ritual instruments, or even small children. The first bag is formed from loosely woven natural plant fibers shaped like a wide crescent, and the obverse is adorned with dozens of petite, white cowrie snail shells. The larger bag is formed with a similar construction style as the first and displays fibers dyed in green and purple hues that alternate with the natural beige-hued strands. A wonderful set of utilitarian bags from Papua New Guinea! Size: 13.75" W x 16" H (34.9 cm x 40.6 cm).

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection

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#141264

  • Condition: Both bags have light loosening to some fibers, otherwise intact and very good. Original coloration and shells are visible.

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August 6, 2019 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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