Full details of each lot are displayed, except the lot number, estimate and price. You must be a subscriber to view lot numbers, estimates and prices.

Click here to view registration and subscription levels

The Todd Barlin Collection, Part 1 — Theodore Bruce Auctioneers & Valuers

Auction House:Theodore Bruce Auctioneers & ValuersNumber of lots recorded:311
Sale Title:The Todd Barlin Collection, Part 1Lots with images:311
Auction Location:SydneyPrices available:303
Date:17-Aug-2015
***
Three old shell money wealth items, Solomon Islands, Malaita Island, 19th century or very early 20th century; a multi strand shell money chest bandolier (torisusu), together with a seven strand shell money belt (Fo'o aba), and a very fine shell money wealth item called 'Barafe' it has 5 loops coils of tiny fine shell rings. Provenance: B. L. Hornshaw collection (1878-1937) Hornshaw was an avid collector of Pacific and Australian Aboriginal artefacts, he received many of his pieces from people who lived and…
***
***
***
Two old dogs teeth wealth ornaments, Ramu area, a fine head band with numerous dogs teeth and nassa shell trim, together with a fine dogs teeth chest ornament *See field photo of how these dogs teeth ornaments were worn 46 cm, 44 cm (2)
***
***
***
Eight fine old Barava and Bokolo pieces, Western Solomon Islands, 18th - early 19th century; all on custom made display stands. Provenance: Tebbenham collection. Tebbenham was on the Navy Ship the HSM Mohawk 1898 on a Punitive Expedition to the Western Solomon Islands due to head hunting raids on the neighbouring Islands. Ex B. L. Hornshaw collection early 20th century. The most complex clam shell objects were barava, ornate openwork plaques created in the western Solomon Islands. The designs on some…
***
***
***
A superb ancient Barava, Western Solomon Islands, 18th century or earlier; mostly complete with two large and impressive figures standing on circular base. The shell is very thick and with an ancient patina of the oldest types of these objects have; on a custom made display stand. Provenance: Tebbenham collection; Tebbenham was on the Navy Ship the HSM Mohawk 1898 on a punitive expedition to the Western Solomon Islands due to head hunting raids on the neighbouring Islands. Ex B. L. Hornshaw collection…
***
***
***
Five fine old Kap Kap ornaments, Boiken area, the finely carved designs overlaid bailer shell. 9 - 11 cm
***
***
***
Seven ancient Barava ornaments, 19th century or earlier; together with two Kap Kap bases. Provenance: B. L. Hornshaw collection (1878 - 1937); Hornshaw was an avid collector of Pacific and Australian Aboriginal artefacts, he received many of his pieces from people who lived and worked in the Pacific in the late 19th century. 4 - 12 cm, 10 - 11 cm (9)
***
***
***
A superb Arawe pearl shell wealth object, New Britain, this beautiful gold lipped shell has shell money and dogs teeth decorations and an old woven band. These were used as a bride price payments and traditional currency. 60 cm
***
***
***
Six old shell wealth ornaments, Sepik area,Papua New Guinea; including old shell and teeth and trade bead ornaments. 12 - 45 cm (6)
***
***
***
Fourteen early shell pendants 'Loanlasi', Malaita and Makira Islands, Solomon Islands, 18th - early 19th century; on custom made display stands, five have incised stylized frigate bird designs, the others with incised fish and abstract designs, some are incised both sides. Provenance: The South Seas Evangelical Mission collection late 19th century. 5 - 6.5 cm (14)
***
***
***
Twenty two Solomon Islands body ornaments, Malaita and Makira Islands, Eastern Solomon Islands, 19th century; consisting of six woven Orchid stem fibre ear ornaments (fa'i' augwaroa), one pair in their original bamboo container, three pairs of flying fox teeth and beaded ear ornaments (ai'au), two on custom made stands, four very early shell ear ornaments (spool shaped and two with teeth attachments), two pairs of decorated cowrie shell hair ornaments (buli) that were worn in the hair of men on Malaita and…
***
***
***
Ten cut spiral conis shells on custom stands, Western Solomon Island, 18th-19th century; the smallest and slimmest of the shell valuables are hokata made from conis shells. These were less valuable and used in barter, marital rituals, as small compensation transfers and were given to chief's by men for the sexual services of 'Ritually designated women'. They were also used to decorate skull shrines of important men. Provenance: B. L. Hornshaw collection (1878 - 1937); Hornshaw was an avid collector of…
***
***
***
Twenty one pieces cut spiral Conis shells, Western Solomon Islands, 18th - early 19th century; the smallest and slimmest of the shell are 'Hokata' made from onus shells. These were less valuable and used in barter, marital rituals, as small compensation transfers and were given to chiefs by men for the sexual services of 'Ritually designated women'. They were also used to decorate skull shrines of important men. Provenance: B. L. Hornshaw collection (1878-1937); Hornshaw was an avid collector of Pacific…
***
***
***
Five ancient Barava ornament pieces, Western Solomon Islands, 18th -19th century; of the old figural type, two on stands. Provenance: Tebbenham collection. Tebbenham was on the Navy Ship the HSM Mohawk 1898 on a punitive expedition to the Western Solomon Islands due to head hunting raids on the neighbouring Islands. Provenance: B. L. Hornshaw collection (1878-1937); Hornshaw was an avid collector of Pacific and Australian Aboriginal artefacts, he received many of his pieces from people who lived and worked…
***
***
***
Two superb dolphin teeth necklaces, (barulifai'a), Lau Lagoon area, Malaita Island, Solomon Islands, early 20th century; together with a fine shell money belt also from Malaita Island. Provenance: The South Seas Evangelical Mission collection. 44 x 5 cm, 45 x 5 cm, 63 x 10 cm (3)
***
***
***
Four fine old shell money armbands (abagwaro), Malaita Island; together with a belt, Malaita Island, Solomon Islands. Provenance: The South Seas Evangelical Mission collection late 19th century. 13 x 8 cm, 15 x 8 cm, 21 x 13 cm; belt: 54 x 6 cm (5)
***
***
***
Fourteen Kesa shell money, Western Solomon Islands, 18th - 19th century; 'Kesa' is a cylindrical shell wealth that came in different sizes and values. It is old, and is said to have been made by the spirit Pongo. People preserved kesa by wrapping them in ivory palm leaves and burying them in the ground, or by storing them in caves for safety from raids. They came in different denominations, from kalusape, the highest value, possessed by the chiefs. Provenance: Tebbenham collection; Tebbenham was on the…
***
***
***
A superb pair of shell money armbands (abagwaro), Malaita Island, early 20th century; together with a fine shell money belt, Malaita Island, Eastern Solomon Islands. Provenance: The South Seas Evangelical Mission collection late 19th century. 21 x 12 cm, 70 x 5 cm (3)
***
***
***
Four old woven and shell armbands, Madang area, north Coast Papua New Guinea, early 20th century. 31 x 17 cm, 22 x 19 cm, 22 x 15 cm, 22 x 19 cm (4)
***
***
***
Six fine old beaded armbands, one pair from Admiralty Islands, three from Eastern Highlands, a shell and woven armband from Wosera, Sepik. 16 x 11 cm, 11 x 9 cm, 15 x 11 cm (6)
***
***
***
Six old ornaments, Solomon Islands, including: three ancient whale tooth pendants, pierced at top and with ancient patina, together with a necklace of tiny shell discs (barafe), Malaita, and a pair of finely woven red fibre armbands, Malaita. 9 cm, 10 cm, 11 cm, 14 cm, 18 cm (6)
***
***
***
Four fine old woven and shell ornaments (Fofona), Bena Bena area, Eastern Highlands,Papua New Guinea; early 20th century. 40 x 32 cm, 36 x 27 cm, 28 x 26 cm, 42 x 36 cm (4)
***
***
***
Two fine old woven and shell ornaments (Fofona), Bena Bena area, Eastern Highlands,Papua New Guinea, early 20th century; together with a fine old woven and shell armband, Madang, and Lumi woven and shell wealth object (Poli). 41 x 35 cm, 35 x 31 cm; 26 x 20 cm, 32 x 18 cm (4)
***
***
***
Four fine old woven and shell ornaments, New Guinea, including: two woven and shell bride price chest ornaments (in the form of faces), Avitip area, upper Sepik River, together with an Abelam yam mask, and an Abelam karahut ornament. 49 cm, 50 cm, 26 cm, 27 cm (4)
***
***
***
Five old Nassa shell and woven ornaments, including: three Lumi area (Poli) wealth objects, together with two nassa shell headbands from the Eastern Highlands. 31 x 29 cm, 28 x 22 cm, 37 x 16 cm, 39 x 13 cm, 51 x 11 cm (5)
***
***
***
Seven old shell wealth and body ornaments, New Guinea . 11 cm, 13 cm, 17 cm, 23 cm, 37 cm, 44 cm, 58 cm (7)
***
***
***
Sixteen ancient shell rings, Abelam and Humboldt Bay areas, together with a round shell plug that came out when making a large shell ring. 5 -14 cm, 10 cm (17)
***
***
***
Fourteen ancient shell ornaments, Papuan Gulf, used as ear and nose ornaments and as a currency. 6 - 9 cm (14)
***
***
***
Ten shell and beaded Kula ornaments, Massim people, Milne Bay Province,Papua New Guinea ; the Kula exchange or Kula ring, is a ceremonial exchange system conducted in the Milne Bay Province. All Kula valuables are non-use items traded purely for purposes of enhancing one's social status and prestige. Carefully prescribed customs and traditions surround the ceremonies that accompany the exchanges which establish strong, ideally lifelong relationships between the exchange parties. Exhibited: Pacifica…
***
***
***
Four ancient shell adzes, two from Wallis Island, Ex. Nicolai Mitchoutchkine collection (1929-2010); Mitchoutchkine had a large Oceanic Art collection that toured Europe, the USA and Japan in the 1980's, he made two publications; 'Ethnography & Art of Oceania ' the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 1989. These were used in pre- European contact times on sand islands that had no source of stones. 6.5 cm, 7.5 cm, 12 cm, 13 cm (4)
***
***
***
Two fine old Orchid stem Fibre Belts and two armbands, late 19th century; Provenance: Harper collection 1932 Gifted to B. L. Hornshaw old label reads 'From the Harper collection 19.12.32 most likely from Bougainville Island' Ex. B. L. Hornshaw collection (1878-1937); Hornshaw was an avid collector of Pacific and Australian Aboriginal artefacts, he received many of his pieces from people who lived and worked in the Pacific in the late 19th century. Belts: 36 cm, armbands: 11 cm (4)
***
***
***
Five strands of old trade beads, Geelvink Bay, West Papua; these beads were the main traditional currency that the native people used and received from Malay traders for bird of paradise feathers which were in great demand from the royalty of south East Asia and china. This trade between Malay traders and Melanesian's had been going on for centuries as evident in the trade goods they left behind, including: ancient glass beads, bangles and earrings, bronze age axes, kettle drums and ceramics. 30 - 58 cm (5)
***
***
***
A collection of ancient glass earrings, Geelvink Bay area, West Papua; these glass earrings were collected on the Waropen Coast along the north Coast of West New Guinea, traditionally called 'Dimbo' in the local Warpoen language, they were an important type of traditional wealth used for bride price payments, other types of compensation payments and for goods, especially bird of paradise skins that Malay traders came to obtain by trading glass and metal objects. It is thought that this trade went over 2000…
***
***
***
A collection of nine old Kina pearl shell pectoral ornaments, Southern Highlands and Papuan Gulf areas,Papua New Guinea; gold lipped pearl shells were highly valued among most of the tribes on mainland New Guinea . They were traded up from the coast, when they reached the Highlands their value was greatly inflated due to the rarity and distance. 16.5 - 22 cm (9)
***
***
***
A collection of eight shell and seeded ornaments, the main ornament being a large and fine bride price shell necklace from West New Britain with shell money dangles, plus various others. 40 cm (8)
***
***
***
A collection of eight old conis shell bangles, Geelvink Bay area; most with incised designs and ancient patina, these were used as a traditional currency and were widely traded along the north Coast of West Papua. 5 - 9 cm
***
***
***
Four old Marapai charms in original woven bags, Papuan Gulf area,Papua New Guinea, late 19th century; the bags have the original botanical attachments in little woven parcels. In old times each man would have possessed a group of Marapai Charms like these, they were used to protect oneself from malevolent magic but also to help in hunting prowess, weather and romance. 5 - 9 cm (4)
***
***
***
A collection of New Guinea body ornaments, together with a magic stone from the Mendi Valley, which was collected by Warwick Irvine in 1968. 7 - 40 cm (8)
***
***
***
A fine shell money belt, Solomon Islands, 19th century; Provenance: Ex. Tost & Rohu collection: (attached original tag) from 1872 to the 1930's, Jane Tost and her daughter Ada, who was married to naturalist and artefact collector Henry Rohu, founded Tost & Rohu, a fancy work depot and taxidermy studio. It was during the late nineteenth century that the company focused on selling furs and ethnographic material. From the 1890's the company claimed to stock the largest collection of Pacific Islander and…
***
***
***
A collection of six artefacts, including four incised bamboo pipes, New Guinea, a carved Aboriginal lizard figure and a woomera. 10 - 57 cm (6)
***
***
***
A fine and early Kula ornament, Massim, Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea; comprised of a conis shell bangle decorated with six egg shaped cowrie shells and these have shell money dangles terminating with oval pieces pearl shell. This early example had coloured trade beads added to the reverse side at a later date. The Kula exchange or Kula ring, is a ceremonial exchange system conducted in the Milne Bay Province. All Kula valuables are non-use items traded purely for purposes of enhancing one's social…
***
***
***
A beaded ceremonial Apron, Sereu, Ambai Island, Japen Island, Geelvink Bay, West Papua, Collected in 1985; the small glass trade beads are woven with bush fibre string, complex designs in green, black, white and yellow bead work. 54 x 49 cm
***
***
***
An old woven Polynesian fan, together with a finely woven Rennell Island bag. 58 x 37 cm, 30 x 28 cm (2)
***
***
***
A pair of Abelam hair ornaments, finely woven and ochre painted, both on custom made stands. 49 cm (2)
***
***
***
A fine Highlands men's ceremonial wig, beautifully woven and decorated with feathers, on custom made stand. 55 cm
***
***
***
Nine fine red feather money sticks, Santa Cruz Islands, feather money is used in Santa Cruz as a form of currency. The supply is limited by the availability of the feathers used and the man-hours involved in its manufacture by a few hereditary specialists. One man locates the small scarlet honeyeater birds (Myzomela cardinalis) living in the rain forest, and traps them using sticky perches. He then plucks the feathers from their heads, breasts and backs and lets them go alive so as to keep the population…
***
***
***
Three old Massim lime containers, left: an old lime coconut with incised designs and wood stopper centre: a small and very fine incised lime gourd with pig tooth stopper right: a fine incised lime gourd with pig tooth stopper. Provenance: Peter Hallinan collection no. H- 536; Peter Hallinan had one of the finest Oceanic Art collections ever assembled in Australia. He made numerous field collecting trips to many remote areas in Papua New Guinea, some of his collection was sold by Sotheby's London, December…
***
***
***
A old Schouten Islands hair ornament, men along the coastal Sepik area and Schouten Islands wore these hair pieces in the 19th and early 20th century, their hair was pulled up through the decorated basketry ornament. This example has German New Guinea era porcelain dogs' teeth as decorations. *see field photo as to how these ornaments were used 17 cm
***
***
***
Five New Guinea body ornaments, including: a man's pig wealth tally ornament, mount Hagen; a fine old Dani warrior's bailer shell necklace, Baliem Valley; two nassa shell and fibre ornaments, and a fine multi strand seed belt, Sepik. 25 - 86 cm (5)
***
***
***
Six shell and tusk wealth ornaments, two Lumi area nassa shell Poli ornaments; two bailer shell head ornaments, Southern Highlands; two double boars tusk and shell ornaments, Tufi area. 21 - 31 cm, 11 - 13 cm, 15 - 40 cm (6)
***
***
***
Two old beaded ornaments, Samoa, late 19th century; both with tiny glass trade beads from the German colonial era of Samoa. Often these tiny beads were used on fine Samoan and Tongan hair combs; one is an armlet and the other a necklace with an orange champa pacifica shell as the pendant. 8 cm, 33 cm (2)
***
***
***
A bamboo lime container, Solomon Islands, late 19th century; carved from two perfect fitting pieces of bamboo, finely incised with bands of designs and traces of black infill, together with a part of a another similar container (top only). Provenance: B. L. Hornshaw collection (1878-1937); Hornshaw was an avid collector of Pacific and Australian Aboriginal artefacts, he received many of his pieces from people who lived and worked in the Pacific in the late 19th century. 19 cm, 7.5 cm (2)
***
***
***
Two Cassowary quill and bone necklaces, New Guinea, 19th century; old label reads 'Native necklaces made from Quills & shell money, from PL collection 1910'. Provenance: B. Length Hornshaw collection (1878-1937); Hornshaw was an avid collector of Pacific and Australian Aboriginal artefacts, he received many of his pieces from people who lived and worked in the Pacific in the late 19th century. 54 cm (2)
***
***
***
A very important native rat tooth necklace, old label Reads 'Necklace made from flying fox teeth ( kapoul ) New Guinea 3.8.1925 ' 'The type of teeth are rat, a highly sought after food source in many parts of New Guinea, once I collected similar necklaces on the upper Brazza River I was told each animal only has four of these incisor teeth, a man over a lifetime May kill and collect enough teeth to make a necklace, the necklace is a prestige items showing a man's hunting prowess. This is the only very long…
***
***
***
Three old hair combs, left: Malaita Island, Solomon's, late 19th century, middle: Tufi area Oro Province, late 19th century, right: Mainland, New Guinea . 23 cm, 23 cm, 31 cm
***
***
***
A Sepik River bridal veil / wealth object, this finely woven and shell decorated piece was worn on the head during bridal ceremonies and is also an important form of traditional shell wealth. 102 cm long
***
***
***
Two woven hats, Mamberamo River, West Papua, together with an old and well used dance hat from Bobrongko village, lake Sentani *see field photo of Mamberamo River people 60 cm, 65 cm (3)
***
***
***
Various strands old shell money, New Guinea, old label reads 'Diuarra shell money New Britain, pres LRH 1910' Provenance: B. L. Hornshaw collection (1878-1937) Hornshaw was an avid collector of Pacific and Australian Aboriginal artefacts, he received many of his pieces from people who lived and worked in the Pacific in the late 19th century.
***
***
***
Various strands of Tasmanian shell necklaces, including a long iridescent blue shell necklace and two very small shell necklaces, plus one other.
***
***
***
Two small Amulet figures, Geelvink Bay, these two genuine old and used amulets were bought from old men an Ansus village, Japen Island in 1985. 11.5 cm, 19 cm
***
***
***
Twenty six old nose ornaments, 19th century or earlier; Todd Barlin spent more than 30 years saving the best examples of nose ornaments for his own personal collection. These nose ornaments are generations old and belonged to people's ancestors. Nose piercing was done all over mainland New Guinea for important initiation rites. These are from Humboldt Bay and lake Sentani, Papuan Gulf, Oro Province and Rossel Island, Milne Bay Province. Part of this ornament collection was used for the Sydney University…
***
***
***
Five nose ornaments, on custom stands, two old Asmat nose ornaments, one from bailer shell and one made from pig bone, Yow village, Central Asmat, one from Santa Cruz Island and one from Ontong, Java Island. 10 - 15 cm (5)
***
***
***
Three sets of pearl shell nose ornaments, Ramu area, 19th century; in graduated sizes as they were worn in a man's nose. These type of old nose ornaments called 'Ondogo' are depicted on old masks from the Ramu area and were worn by most men in pre-contact times. 3 - 6 cm (16)
***
***
***
Three ancient Fijian tabua ornaments, all are carved to get the fine shape that was desired by chiefs. All have a deep ancient patina and piercings for hanging the tabua, one has the original fibre necklace attached. Provenance: These tabua were a gift to Martin Edward Jull from Prince Lifonie, a member of the Tongan Royal Family in 1883. Martin Edward Jull was travelling on the ship hallmarked sterling 'The Sandfly'. 13 cm,14 cm, 16 cm
***
***
***
An old finely woven rattan Marind bowman's armguard, together with an intricately woven and bamboo armband worn by 'Big men/chiefly men' Southern Highlands Province. *See field photo of Marind Anim man wearing this type of armguard 26 cm, 24 cm (2)
***
***
***
Four old bone lime spatulas, Abelam, left: a chiefly lime spatula with superb shell wealth decorations and incised designs; second from left: Madang area with shell and woven decoration; two far right: bone lime spatulas with finely carved parrot head finials. 30 - 38 cm
***
***
***
A ritual baton, Malaita Island, Solomon Islands, the wood baton with fine inlay shell work is almost in perfect condition, the neck has a band of small braided sennit fibre. These were called 'Fou atoleleo' in Kwaio Language, they were worn hanging from the back of the neck by a man who had killed another person for a reward. Provenance: B. L. Hornshaw collection (1878-1937); Hornshaw was an avid collector of Pacific and Australian Aboriginal artefacts, he received many of his pieces from people who lived…
***
***
***
Five old and finely incised coconut bowls, Abelam area and Sepik area,Papua New Guinea. 12 - 16 cm (5)
***
***
***
Three old and finely incised coconut whistles, together with a coconut spoon from the Markham Valley, and a Sepik pigment dish in the form of a dog. 8 - 25 cm (5)
***
***
***
Two old Marind Anim shell conch horns, old and well used shell horns with fibre decorations. 30 cm, 34 cm (2)
***
***
***
Three Talipun bride price wealth objects, the talipun is highly valued and used in ceremonial exchange as a bride price or as compensation for inter-clan or tribal warfare. The shell is the giant green snail or marbled turban shell (Turbo marmoratus). This is traded from the islands to the mainland where in itself it has currency. It is then attached to a finely woven mask. 33 cm, 43 cm, 29 cm (3)
***
***
***
A fine old Massim Ghena wealth spatula, 19th century; in the Louisiade Archipelago there are crescent-shaped wealth spatula made of wood and turtle shell and their primary purpose is to display a form of red shell money currency known as 'Bagi'. These wealth objects were given to a widow during elaborate funeral feasting ceremonies and also used for other traditional payments. 27.5 x 19 cm
***
***
***
A fine old Massim Ghena Ngaa wood wealth spatula, 19th century; in the Louisiade Archipelago there are crescent-shaped wealth spatula made of wood and their primary purpose is to display a form of red shell money currency known as 'Bagi'. These wealth objects were given to a widow during elaborate funeral feasting ceremonies and also used for other traditional payments. 43 x 30 cm
***
***
***
Two old lime spatula's, one from the Tufi area, the other Massim; both finely carved with intricate designs and tracers of lime decoration and old patina from prolonged use chewing betel nut. 34 cm, 31 cm
***
***
***
Two bamboo smoking pipes, Southern Highlands,Papua New Guinea, both in the form of an anteater, this anthropomorphic association with Anteaters goes back to Prehistoric times as seen in ancient stone pieces like the Ambun stone at the National Gallery of Australia. 31 cm, 36 cm
***
***
***
An important early bone harpoon, Asmat,Papua New Guinea. Provenance: Leo Fleischmann collection no. LF/I87 Fleischmann was the manager of gallery Primitif in Sydney from 1967 to 1993, and he had one of the finest collections of Oceanic clubs & Ethnographic in the world, later sold by Sotheby's Australia December 4, 1994; together with a fine and early ritual dagger, Asmat, the ritual daggers were kept for use only for killing captured enemies who were tied up in the raiding parties canoe, at the whirlpools…
***
***
***
An Asmat ritual bone dagger, these were used to kill captured enemies at the sight of whirlpools in the River which is where powerful spirits dwell. 30 cm
***
***
***
Two old Abelam bone Daggers, 19th century; both are finely carved and with deep use patina. 15 cm, 16 cm (2)
***
***
***
A large early stone axe from the Pacific Region, 19th century or earlier; exact origin unknown, very similar to Maori stone axes made of a hard grey green stone. 26.5 cm
***
***
***
Three old Massim lime spatula's, all finely carved with traces of lime infill; left: in the form of a stylized turtle with fine incised designs, centre: in the form of a canoe design, Ex. Crispin Howarth collection, right: a fine Janus figure with two crouching back to back figures. 29 cm, 34 cm, 32 cm (3)
***
***
***
A ladle, Admiralty Islands, late 19th century; the intricately carved wood handle could be seen as an abstract human figure. Provenance: B. L. Hornshaw collection (1878-1937); Hornshaw was an avid collector of Pacific and Australian Aboriginal artefacts, he received many of his pieces from people who lived and worked in the Pacific in the late 19th century. 33 cm
***
***
***
Two old carved and incised Sipping bowls, used for drinking a village brewed alcoholic drink. These were collected at Fategomi village, Sorong Province, West Papua, one belonged to a man called Musu Asmuruf. 23 cm, 25 cm
***
***
***
Two old Geelvink Bay lime containers, finely incised traditional scroll like designs, collected at Wandaman Bay, West Papua, 1986. 6 cm
***
***
***
A fine old hair comb, Fly River area, New Guinea, early 20th century; finely carved from hardwood in the form of the head of an ancestor with good expression, the comb has incised designs on both sides. 42 x 11 cm
***
***
***
An early Massim Chief's lime gourd, with a finely incised pigs tusk stopper; together with an old and elegant Oro Province lime gourd with three panels of incised geometric designs and woven stopper. Chief's gourd: 22 cm (2)
***
***
***
A neckrest, Rennell Island, Solomon Islands; of classical form and original sennit binding. Provenance: South Seas Evangelical Mission (active late 19th - early 20th century) 38 x 14 cm
***
***
***
Three old shell spoons, Ramu River area, one with its original woven cover, these spoons were used ceremonially to feed initiates during their seclusion period. 15 -18 cm (3)
***
***
***
A fine old Kankaney coffin Lock, Northern Phillipines, the Kankaney are an ethnic division of the Igorots, an indigenous people of the Cordillera region, in the Phillipine Island of Luzan. This figure would have to fit into a square hole on a coffin to guard and protect the deceased. Provenance: Ex. Rudolf Kratochwill collection, Austria. 68 cm
***
***
***
Six heavy brass Dayak ear ornaments, 9 -11 cm
***
***
***
An important and early Ifugao Shaman's box, Ifugao people of Northern Luzon, Philippines; an old Northern Philippine Ifugao ceremonial ritual box called a Punamhan. This well carved box with double Pigs heads finials and it has broad horizontal striations designs and an old crusty dark patina from many applications of libations during ceremonies. Animist communities of the northern Philippines create fine wooden vessels for religious rites and for celebratory feasts sponsored by wealthy families. The…
***
***
***
A pair of Ifugao Bulul figures, Ifugao people of Northern Luzon, Philippines; 'Bulul' are guardians of rice granaries, and are very important in Ifugao society, where rice is the staple crop. The Ifugao believe that 'Bululs' are responsible for plentiful harvests of rice, and that the deities can also miraculously increase the amount of rice available. Making 'Bulul' sculptures is a long and complex process, these figures are traditionally made in pairs - one male and one female. Upon completion of the…
***
***
***
A fine old Ifugao Bulul figure, Ifugao people of Northern Luzon, Philippines; 'Bulul' are guardians of rice granaries, and are very important in Ifugao society, where rice is the staple crop. The Ifugao believe that 'Bululs' are responsible for plentiful harvests of rice, and that the deities can also miraculously increase the amount of rice available. Making 'Bulul' sculptures is a long and complex process, these figures are traditionally made in pairs - one male and one female. Upon completion of the…
***
***
***
An old Timor female fertility ancestor figure, East Timor, Indonesia; this curvaceous nude female ancestor figure standing with her hands resting together on her swollen pregnant belly. Carved from hardwood, with a patina of age and use. 76 cm
***
***
***
An ancestor figure, Atoni or Tetum people, West Timor, Indonesia; ancestor figure [ai bahat] early 20th century; in Timor, tattoos signal identity and status. Their talismanic qualities protect the living and the soul after death. He is incised with intricate designs found on a range of Timor Art, including tattoos and textiles. The stylised aquatic and reptilian creatures on the belly of this sculpture are motifs associated with fertility and the Timor nobility. Provenance: Purchased from Daeng Iskander…
***
***
***
An old and finely carved betel nut accessory box, Flores Island, Indonesia, 19th century; the hardwood box with finely incised geometric and abstract designs over the entire surface except for the bottom and short legs. Provenance: Purchased from Daeng Iskander in 1985, Iskander was an important Art Dealer in Bali who helped Barbier Mueller build his Indonesian Art collection which is now in the Musee du Quai Branly collection in Paris 25.5 x 15 cm
***
***
***
A small Amulet figure, Konkornba people, upper Volta River, Ghana; Ex. Dalton Somare gallery, Italy. 25 cm
***
***
***
A guardian post figure, West Nepal tribal people, 19th century; the figure has square holes in the back where it was attached to a wall or post. The face is very expressive and there is an ancient patina overall. 104 x 17 cm
***
***
***
Two old sling shots, Burma, in the form of a young man's ideal woman of beautiful full proportions, one has brass inlay decorations. 18 cm, 22 cm
***
***
***
Six old kris handles from Java and Bali, 19th century; 'My collection of Kris handles was started in 1985 and I bought many of the first ones from Daeng Iskander, an important Art Dealer in Bali who helped Barbier Mueller build his Indonesian Art collection which is now in the Musee du Quai Branly collection in Paris.' - Todd Barlin 8 - 10 cm
***
***
***
Two Northwest Coast carvings, Canada, Haida; one finely carved and painted miniature totem pole, together with a Shaman's rattle 50 cm, 24 cm (2)
***
***
***
Two Northwest Coast carvings, Canada, Haida; one intricately carved miniature totem pole, signed on back 'Raymond Williams, Vancouver Island' circa 1950s, and on the bottom 'This raven pole was by master carver Raymond Williams (Nootka)'; together with a larger totem pole, finely carved and painted, 61 x 46 cm, 102 x 66 cm (2)
***
***