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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
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Two fine and large Marind Anim Drums, with original field collection labels; left: Slo village, upper Bian River, Marind Anim, made by Gabriel Kaise who died in the 1960's, right: Kumbe village, Kumbe River Marind Anim, the owner of this drum was Alfius Mahuse. 'I made many trips to the Marind Anim between 1985-1999 both to visit friends and make collections for major museums including a full Dema Ceremony now held at the Musee du Quai Branly in Paris and another at the Linden Museum in Stuttgart' - Todd…
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A large old Dani axe (Yakbiliak), Baliem Valley, Dani, West Papua; a fine heavy old working axe for splitting trees and wood, the speckled green stone of the hardest type. Collected in the Jiwika area of the Baliem Valley in the early 1980's. 77 x 37 cm
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A Sacred jet stone set special made Nets and shell money belt, collected by Todd Barlin after the funeral of the famous warrior Kurelu in 1988. Up to 20,000 Dani, Yali and Lani people came to his funeral. This sacred Je stone bundle was exchanged among the important men who came to Kurelu's funeral and exchange. It is a complete set from Kurelu's funeral with the original woven nets called 'Su' that the most important sacred stones must be presented on. Only the largest and most scared Wusu or Je oak…
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An ancestor figure Asmat, Awok village, with custom made stand. Field Collected by Todd Barlin in Awok village, circa 1985; the left shoulder crack visible in field photo provided was professional repaired. *See field photo 136 cm
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A canoe prow ornament, Humboldt Bay, finely carved with stylized fish and bird motifs. 49 x 38 cm
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A miniature Mbitoro, Mimika, this carving though small in scale is a very fine example of a miniature Mbitoro ceremonial pole, it has the same beauty as the much larger scale Mbitroro poles used in initiation of young men. These small Mbitoro were know to be made early and have some examples in the Tropen and Leiden Museum. Famously Andre Breton had one on his desk that was later sold to Hotel Drouot's, April 14th, 2003. 32 x 14 cm
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A Tapa painting Humboldt Bay, West Papua, Collected at Nafri village Humboldt Bay 1986; the tapa cloths from lake Sentani and Humboldt Bay in N.W. Irian Jaya are locally known as Maro Smo. Early accounts of the local people making and wearing decorated tapa cloth are sketchy, but it seems that married women wore tapa skirts which were decorated with designs. An early photograph by the ethnographer Paul Wirtz in 1926 shows a large painted tapa cloth displayed next to the grave of a young woman. There is…
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An old Tapa cloth, Tep Tep area, Madang Province, 92 x 70 cm
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Two old Tapa cloths, Tep Tep area, Madang Province, 63 x 50 cm, 43 x 45 cm
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A Tapa cloth, Humboldt Bay area, West Papua, collected at Mafiri village humboldt bay 1986; the tapa cloths from lake Sentani and Humboldt Bay in N.W. Irian Jaya, are locally known as Maro Smo. 106 x 91 cm
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A Tapa cloth, Humboldt Bay area, West Papua, collected at Nafri village, Humboldt Bay, 1986; the tapa cloths from lake Sentani and Humboldt Bay in N.W. Irian Jaya, are locally known as Maro Smo. 110 x 96 cm
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A Tapa cloth, lake Sentani area, West Papua, collected at Asei village, lake Sentani 1986; fish and fou motifs. 66 x 78 cm
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A Tapa cloth, lake Sentani area, West Papua, collected at Asei village lake Sentani, 1986; turtle motif, the tapa cloths from lake Sentani and Humboldt Bay in N.W. Irian Jaya, are locally known as Maro Smo. 86 x 55 cm
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A Tapa cloth, lake Sentani area, West Papua, Sago Grub motif, collected at Asei village lake Sentani, 1986; the tapa cloths from lake Sentani and Humboldt Bay in N.W. Irian Jaya, are locally known as Maro Smo. 82 x 84 cm
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Two old Geelvink Bay fishing Floats, finely incised with scroll designs. 20 cm, 25 cm (2)
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Two old Geelvink Bay canoe ornaments, field collected in Wandaman Bay, north Coast West Papua, 1985; these finely carved canoe ornaments were from a large war canoe that is no longer made, they were kept as memories of the grandparents and great grandparents that once made them. They are also used as a bride price wealth object for exchanges. *See field photo. Field Photos Copyright Todd Barlin and the South Australian Museum. 79 cm, 159 cm
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Four old Geelvink Bay canoe ornaments, field collected in Wandaman Bay, north Coast West Papua, 1985; these finely carved canoe ornaments were from a large war canoe that is no longer made, they were kept as memories of the grandparents and great grandparents that once made them. They are also used as a bride price wealth object for exchanges. *See field photo. Field Photos Copyright Todd Barlin and the South Australian Museum. 86 - 166 cm (4)
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Two old Geelvink Bay canoe ornaments, field collected in Wandaman Bay, north Coast West Papua, 1985; these finely carved canoe ornaments were from a large war canoe that is no longer made, they were kept as memories of the grandparents and great grandparents that once made them. They are also used as a bride price wealth object for exchanges. *See field photo. Field Photos Copyright Todd Barlin and the South Australian Museum. 90 cm each (2)
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Three old Geelvink Bay canoe ornaments, field collected in Wandaman Bay, north Coast West Papua, 1985; these finely carved canoe ornaments were from a large war canoe that is no longer made, they were kept as memories of the grandparents and great grandparents that once made them. They are also used as a bride price wealth object for exchanges. *See field Photos. Field Photos Copyright Todd Barlin and the South Australian Museum. 78 cm, 76 cm, 76 cm (3)
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An Omu figure, Northwest Asmat, Weo village, Jerep River NW Asmat; Omu is the name of the type of spirit figure and the ceremony that it belongs. The Omu ceremony only happens in a few small villages in the remote NW Asmat area. 'I made many trips to the Asmat during the years 1985-1999 staying several months each trip. This was at a time when the area was mostly closed to foreigners. I made collections of artworks for many public major Museum collections around the world.' - Todd Barlin *See attached…
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An Omu figure, Weo village, Jerep River NW Asmat; Omu is the name of the type of spirit figure and the ceremony that it belongs. The Omu ceremony only happens in a few small villages in the remote NW Asmat area. 'I made many trips to the Asmat during the years 1985-1999 staying several months each trip. This was at a time when the area was mostly closed to foreigners. I made collections of artworks for many public major Museum collections around the world.' - Todd Barlin *See attached field photo. Right in…
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An Omu figure, north West Asmat, Irogo village, Jerep River NW Asmat; an unusual form with both female and male genitalia. Omu is the name of the type of spirit figure and the ceremony that it belongs. The Omu ceremony only happens in a few small villages in the remote NW Asmat area. 'I made many trips to the Asmat during the years 1985-1999 staying several months each trip. This was at a time when the area was mostly closed to foreigners. I made collections of artworks for many public major Museum…
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An ancestor figure, Central Asmat, sensitively carved by a master caver or wow ipitsj, Todd Barlin purchased this figure from the Catholic Priest at Basim village in the early 1980's. The penis is missing as often the case with older figures, sometimes they were removed as not to offend the some people's sensitivities. 83 cm
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A Yamate ancestor board, Eastern Mimika area, Kekwa village, south Coast West Papua; this finely carved and painted ancestor board. Collected by Todd Barlin on his first trip to the Mimika area in the 1980's. 180 x 20 cm
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An ancestor figure, Central Asmat, sensitively carved by a master carver or wow ipitsj. Provenance: Todd Barlin purchased this figure from the Catholic priest at Basim village in the early 1980's. 46m
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A rare ancestor figure, Wakde Island, Sarmi area, West Papua; collected by Todd Barlin 'This unusual old and figure I found on a field collecting trip to Wakde Island off the coast of Sarmi district in 1986. It was broken with only one arm intact, it shows obvious age and wear.' - Todd Barlin 39 cm
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Two old and Used canoe prow ornaments, Humboldt Bay area, West Papua; both on custom stands, one is in the form of a bird and the other with a bird finial and multiple stylized fish. Collected by Todd Barlin 'I Collected these at Depapre village in 1986. When I saw all the canoes had these old canoe ornaments and I asked to buy some, the reaction was quite funny they simply said 'Of course not, we need them for our Canoes for their safety', meaning they still had great importance in their culture. A few…
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An old and Used canoe prow ornament, Humboldt Bay area, West Papua; on a custom stand, finely carved in the form of a bird and stylized fish. 'I collected these in 1986. When I saw all the canoes had these old canoe ornaments and I asked to buy some, the reaction was quite funny they simply said 'Of course not, we need them for our Canoes for their safety', meaning they still had great importance in their culture. A few people had old ones that were left from relatives and these they were willing to sell.'…
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An Asmat Croix seed ceremonial Vest, finely woven and decorated with pieced croix seeds and tassels of Cassowary feathers. These were worn during important ceremonies like Mbis or canoe ceremonies. 55 x 39 cm
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An Asmat Jipae dance costume, Pupis village, Wasar River, NW Asmat area; Jipae costumes represent the recently deceased in the village, they represent both men and/or women and all have a personal name. The ceremony helps the spirits of the deceased pass over to the otherworld. Collected by Todd Barlin 'These costumes were used in a 1989 Jipae Ceremony that I attended. I made many trips to the Asmat during the years 1985-1999 staying several months each trip. This was at a time when the area was mostly…
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An Asmat Jipae dance costume, Pupis village, Wasar River, NW Asmat area; Jipae costumes represent the recently deceased in the village, they represent both men and/or women and all have a personal name. The ceremony helps the spirits of the deceased pass over to the otherworld. Collected by Todd Barlin 'These costumes were used in a 1989 Jipae Ceremony that I attended. I made many trips to the Asmat during the years 1985-1999 staying several months each trip. This was at a time when the area was mostly…
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An Asmat Jipae dance costume, Pupis village, Wasar River, NW Asmat area; Jipae costumes represent the recently deceased in the village, they represent both men and/or women and all have a personal name. The ceremony helps the spirits of the deceased pass over to the otherworld. Collected by Todd Barlin 'These costumes were used in a 1989 Jipae Ceremony that I attended. I made many trips to the Asmat during the years 1985-1999 staying several months each trip. This was at a time when the area was mostly…
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Two Marind Anim Dema ornaments, in the form of sea birds, these bird figures were used for a Dema called Tetale. These fine ornaments were used in the early 1990's in a Mayo cult Dema Ceremony in Okaba District. These were left over from the collections Todd Barlin made for major museums including a full Dema Ceremony now held at the Musee du Quai Branly in Paris and another at the Linden Museum in Stuttgart. *see attached field Photos of it being danced during the actual ceremony. Field Photos Copyright…
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An important Marind Anim Stork Dema figure, Imo cult, used in Dema Ceremony early 1990s; these were left over from the collections Todd Barlin made for major museums including a full Dema Ceremony now held at the Musee du Quai Branly in Paris and another at the Linden Museum in Stuttgart. *see attached field Photos of it being danced during the actual ceremony. Field Photos Copyright Todd Barlin and the South Australian Museum. 107 x 60 cm
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A group of Marind Anim Dema ornaments (Mayo cult), these were left over from the collections Todd Barlin made for major museums including a full Dema Ceremony now held at the Musee du Quai Branly in Paris and another at the Linden Museum in Stuttgart. *see attached field Photos. Field Photos Copyright Todd Barlin and the South Australian Museum.
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A group of Marind Anim Dema ornaments (Imo cult), these were left over from the collections Todd Barlin made for major museums including a full Dema Ceremony now held at the Musee du Quai Branly in Paris and another at the Linden Museum in Stuttgart. *see attached field Photos. Field Photos Copyright Todd Barlin and the South Australian Museum
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A group of Marind Anim Dema ornaments (Mayo cult), together with a large bag (about 5kg) of Marind Anim red Abrus seeds for repairing Dema Costumes. These were left over from the collections Todd Barlin made for major museums including a full Dema Ceremony now held at the Musee du Quai Branly in Paris and another at the Linden Museum in Stuttgart. *see attached field photos. Field Photos Copyright Todd Barlin and the South Australian Museum
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A group of Marind Anim Dema ornaments (Imo cult), including a bird Dema figure. These were left over from the collections Todd Barlin made for major museums including a full Dema Ceremony now held at the Musee du Quai Branly in Paris and another at the Linden Museum in Stuttgart *see attached field Photos of it being danced during the actual ceremony. Field Photos Copyright Todd Barlin and the South Australian Museum
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A fine Marind Anim Stork Dema figure, this well documented Mayo Stork Dema figure was the one piece Todd Barlin kept for himself from the collections made for major museums including a full Dema Ceremony now held at the Musee du Quai Branly in Paris and another at the Linden Museum in Stuttgart. *see attached field Photos of it being danced during the actual ceremony. Field Photos Copyright Todd Barlin and the South Australian Museum 106 x 63 cm
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A Jipae dance costume, Sawa village, Northwest Asmat area, this finely woven costume was used in a 1988 Jipae Ceremony, this particular costume represented a recently deceased child named Verak. Jipae Costumes represent the recently deceased in the village, they represent both men and/or women and all have a personal name. The ceremony helps the spirits of the deceased pass over to the otherworld.
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An early Samoan club and spear, late 19th - early 20th century; both finely carved from hard wood, the club with incised lime filled designs. Provenance: George Cann collection (1890s-1965); Cann was known as the snake man of La Perouse, entertaining crowds when he worked at La Perouse from 1920 until the 1960s. He was a legendary collector of snakes from areas around Australia and the Pacific Islands, in his yard, he created large pits that were used to house his snake collection. He was the curator of…
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Three old war clubs, Vanuatu Provenance: George Cann collection (1890s-1965); Cann known as the snake man of La Perouse, entertaining crowds when he worked at La Perouse from 1920 until the 1960s. He was a legendary collector of snakes from areas around Australia and the Pacific Islands, in his yard, he created large pits that were used to house his snake collection. He was the curator of reptiles at the Taronga Park Zoo for 20 years, and died of a stroke in 1965. 64 cm, 76 cm, 77 cm (3)
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Four old Fijian throwing clubs (ula), 19th century; one with extensive vertical notches along shaft. Provenance: Robert Henry Pulleine (1869-1935 ); physician and naturalist, born in New Zealand, spent his childhood in Fiji, the family moved to Adelaide in 1881. In the South Australian Museum he developed his interest in natural science, he taught at the Adelaide collegiate school before entering the University of Adelaide in 1892, completing his medical training at the University of Sydney medical school…
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Three old Solomon Island's clubs, 19th century; These are the three main types of clubs made and used on Malaita Island. Left: a 'Subi' type. Middle: a very early, diameter type club with incised decoration on hand grip. Right: Alafolo type. Provenance: South Seas Evangelical Mission (active late 19th - early 20th century) 75 cm, 96 cm, 92 cm (3)
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Two old Rennell Island clubs and an old Ambrym Island club, 81 cm, 92 cm, 79 cm (3)
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Two fine Fijian pole clubs, 19th century; both with fine incised designs on lower section of the clubs, the butts of both clubs are concave, one pierced for fibre strap and retaining an old collection number 58:297, both with fine old reddish brown patina overall. Provenance: Robert Henry Pulleine (1869-1935); physician and naturalist, born in New Zealand, spent his childhood in Fiji, the family moved to Adelaide in 1881. In the South Australian Museum he developed his interest in natural science, he…
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An ancient stone axe, Southern Highlands, New Guinea, 19th century; ancient glossy patina and original hard green stone. Collected by Todd Barlin. 'In 1985 I walked with medical patrol from lake Kopiago in the Southern Highlands to the Hewa people (they are between the Southern Highlands and East Sepik Province ) It took three days of up and down mountains and on the third late afternoon we ran into our first group of Hewa people, to say the least they were surprised to see me & the three other unknown…
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A superb large Vanuatu club, 19th century, Malekula Island; this very old club was made for a large warrior, it is a third bigger than other examples of this type of club, it is made from a heavy hard wood and has a fine old reddish brown patina. Provenance: George Cann collection (1890s-1965); Cann was known as the snake man of La Perouse, entertaining crowds when he worked at La Perouse from 1920 until the 1960s. He was a legendary collector of snakes from areas around Australia and the Pacific Islands,…
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A fine large Santa Cruz Island dance club, late 19th century; called napa, in a classical shape of a canoe with fine painted black geometric designs and pierced lugs on the sides for fibre decorations. The napa dance is part of a series of ceremonies that take place at feasts to celebrate the different stages of maturation of children. In some islands this involves many children simultaneously, resulting in large gatherings. In the dance, two lines of men perform intricate steps whilst striking each…
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A fine old parrying club, San Christobal Island, Easter Solomon Islands, late 19th century; made from hardwood and has a deep old patina overall. A small figure at the butt of the club. This type of San Christobal Parrying club (Qauata) had a very distinctive sickle shape and was especially well adapted to parrying spears. They were also used in ceremonial dances. Provenance: George Cann collection (1890s-1965) Cann was known as the snake man of La Perouse, entertaining crowds when he worked at La Perouse…
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A bird head shaped club, New Caledonia, of fine elongated beaked form, made from hardwood. Provenance: George Cann collection (1890s-1965); Cann was known as the snake man of La Perouse, entertaining crowds when he worked at La Perouse from 1920 until the 1960s. He was a legendary collector of snakes from areas around Australia and the Pacific Islands, in his yard, he created large pits that were used to house his snake collection. He was the curator of reptiles at the Taronga Park Zoo for 20 years, and…
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A fine early Vanuatu club, Efate Island, 19th century; made from hardwood with old patina and original fibre sling. Provenance: George Cann collection (1890s-1965); Cann was known as the snake man of La Perouse, entertaining crowds when he worked at La Perouse from 1920 until the 1960s. He was a legendary collector of snakes from areas around Australia and the Pacific Islands, in his yard, he created large pits that were used to house his snake collection. He was the curator of reptiles at the Taronga Park…
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A Malaita Island Supe club, Eastern Solomon Islands, 19th century; of classic diamond shape striking section, tapering handle and fibre grip. Provenance: South Seas Evangelical Mission (active late 19th - early 20th century) 77.5 cm
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Two old Mendi Valley Axes, Southern Highlands, Papua New Guinea ; together with another old Highlands axe on a custom stand. Provenance: Collected by Warwick Irvine in 1968 57 cm x 50 cm, 51 cm (2)
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An fine and early Massim wealth axe, late 19th century; finely carved with stylized bird heads on the top and handle, the axe has its original green stone intact, old use patina. Ex Friede collection. 61 cm
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An old food Stirrer, huon Gulf, with a finely carved stylized human figure, together with a Sepik River food stirrer with fine old ancestor figure finial. 81 cm, 65 cm (2)
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A fine early Vanuatu Nalot pounder, late 19th or early 20th century; probably Vao Island, with two stylized triangular shaped heads on the finial and old use patina. Provenance: Alex Philips, Melbourne 64 cm
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A club, Malekula Island, this club is carved from hardwood with an ancestors face on either side of the striking section. Provenance: Nicolai Mitchoutchkine. 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. 98 cm
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Forty eight Arrows and an ancient wood bow, these arrows are of the highest quality; collected by Todd Barlin. 'In 1985 I walked with medical patrol from lake Kopiago in the Southern Highlands to the Hewa people (they are between the Southern Highlands and East Sepik Province ) It took three days of up and down mountains and on the third late afternoon we ran into our first group of Hewa people, to say the least they were surprised to see me & the three other unknown Papuan New Guinea ns. They had not seen…
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Forty eight Arrows and an ancient wood bow, these arrows are of the highest quality; collected by Todd Barlin. 'In 1985 I walked with medical patrol from lake Kopiago in the Southern Highlands to the Hewa people (they are between the Southern Highlands and East Sepik Province ) It took three days of up and down mountains and on the third late afternoon we ran into our first group of Hewa people, to say the least they were surprised to see me & the three other unknown Papuan New Guinea ns. They had not seen…
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Four hardwood spears, 19th century; collected in 1968 in the Mendi Valley by Warwick Irvine. One with bone tip, the trident spear has been cut down for shipping but can be rejoined. 215 - 290 cm
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Two old Angu (Kukukuku) war clubs, Morobe Province, early 20th century; one on a custom stand. The Angu people, also called Kukukuku, are a small and previously violent tribe, they are speaking a number of related languages and living mainly in the high, mountainous region of south-western Morobe Province. Even though they are a short people, often less than 5 foot, they were once feared for their violent raids on more peaceful villages living in lower valleys. These are two of their main type of clubs,…
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Two old Alafolo clubs, Malaita Island, Solomon Islands, both of these genuine old clubs were collected by Todd Barlin in the Kwaio area of central Malaita in the early 1980's. Kwaio people are the last fully traditional people by choice living in the isolated mountain areas. 'I was invited to visit and went with Kwaio people and it was a most interesting trip due to the many prohibitions for their traditional culture.' - Todd Barlin Provenance: The South Seas Evangelical Mission collection early 20th…
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A fine old mount Hagen axe, together with a fine old hafted Massim adze, with incised stylised birds on handle and finial. 68 x 76 cm, 78 x 52 cm (2)
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Two fine old Ramu River area Paddles, with a finely incised stylized ancestor figure on both sides of the blade and full ancestor figure finial to top of paddle. Exhibited: Pacific Navigation Exhibition 2013 at Casula Powerhouse gallery *see photo 217 cm, 248 cm (2)
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Two old Mimika Paddles, Mimika area, south Coast West Papua; finely incised with classical abstract Mimika designs that represent ancestor figures like on Yamate boards. Exhibited: Pacific Navigation Exhibition 2013 at Casula Powerhouse gallery. 203 cm, 204 cm
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Two fine old Paddles, Humboldt Bay, finely incised designs including stylized fish on both sides of the paddle blade. Exhibited: Pacific Navigation Exhibition 2013 at Casula Powerhouse Gallery. 185 cm, 205 cm (2)
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Three old canoe Paddles, lake Sentani, finely incised traditional designs including stylised fish on both sides of the paddle blade Exhibited: Pacific Navigation Exhibition 2013 at Casula Powerhouse Gallery. 158 cm, 164 cm, 165 cm (3)
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Three old canoe paddles, Lake Sentani, finely incised designs including stylized fish on both sides of the paddle blade. Exhibited: Pacific Navigation Exhibition 2103 at Casula Powerhouse Gallery. 165 cm, 171 cm,174 cm (3)
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Three old canoe paddles, Lake Sentani, finely incised traditional designs including stylized fish on both sides of the paddle blade. Exhibited: Pacific Navigation Exhibition 2013 at Casula Powerhouse gallery. 170 cm, 145 cm, 171 cm (3)
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An old wood trumpet, Sepik River area, finely incised over entire surface the finial is carved with small crocodile head. 40 cm
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Two Sepik River figures, both are sculptural fragments; left is off a neckrest and right is off a paddle. 18 cm, 24 cm (2)
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A finely carved and decorated wood trumpet, Sepik River; the finial depicting a important ancestor and with abstract designs lower down. 65.5 cm
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A Solomon Island dance Wand, north Malaita Island, in the form of a stylized hornbill bird, with painted clan designs on both sides. 34 x 21 cm
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A fine Bougainville female ancestor figure, in the naturalistic form of a beautiful young woman, circa 1930's -1940's. 52 cm
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A chalkstone or coral head, Manning Strait, Solomon Islands; this finely carved head with incised designs consisting of concentric circles and chevrons on the face that probably represented facial tattooing. This head is very similar to one in the collection of the Australian Museum collected before 1921, and currently on display in the Museums 'Pacific Spirits' exhibition. This piece was acquired from an Australian expat that lived in the Solomon Islands for over 50 years. 27 x 22 cm
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A carved club, middle Sepik River area, finely carved from hardwood with a face at the top which has a lizard or crocodile touching the chin, lower down is a second smaller face and traditional Sepik designs over the entire front. The reverse has remnants of an old label. 127 cm
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A Neckrest Papuan Gulf, in the form of a dog, finely carved with incised designs and ochre decorations. 79 x 19 cm
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An Iatmul middle Sepik Mwai mask, finely carved of classic form, inlaid shell work and pig tusks traces of ochre painted designs, the nose of the mask ending with a small crouching bird figure. Purchased in New Zealand, 1985. 78.5 cm
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A female ancestor figure, middle Sepik, a sensitively carved figure made from hardwood, cowrie shell eyes and traces of original ochre painted designs on face and body. 66 x 26 cm
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A Papuan Gulf, Kakame figure, these figures are carved from the roots of the mangrove tree, and represent powerful spirits that dwell in the bush in isolated swamps or at the ends of small Rivers. Kakame are highly revered clan totems. 85 x 62 cm
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A Gope board, Papuan Gulf, well carved and with ochre infill designs. 113 x 20 cm
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A resin cast Solomon Islands figure, this is a resin copy of the famous Solomon Islands figure on display at the Auckland Museum. The Museum used to sell resin replicas of original pieces in their collections. It is made in the 1970's and are now collector's items in their own category of Museum reproductions. 65 cm
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An early Asmat female ancestor figure, Ocenep village, circa 1950's-1960's; Ex Catholic Mission collection, Basim village, coastal Asmat. 55 cm
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A fine and early New Ireland Tatanua mask, early 20th century; the face is finely carved and painted, with ear ornaments intact. Provenance: Sotheby's Australia, November 28th 1993, illustrated in catalogue lot 42. 30 x 37 cm
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A ceremonial bat figure, middle Sepik, this finely carved hard wood bat figure has incised circular designs on its wings, the eyes have small Nassa shell inlays and traces of ochre, on a custom made stand. Provenance: Senta Taft Hendry (1924-2014); field collected by Senta Taft Hendry in the 1960's Exhibited: Oceanic arts Pacifica, Casula Powerhouse gallery 2014 91 cm x 34 cm
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Karawari figure fragment (head only), Yimar people, upper Karawari River. Provenance: Ex. Barry Hoare collection 39 cm
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A dance mask, Ramu River area, finely carved and painted with red ochre and Rickets blue (soap bleach) the nose showing the multi-layered nose ornaments called ' ondogo '. When this mask was used ceremonially, it would have been just the face of an elaborate costume that covered the entire body of the dancer during the ceremony. These ceremonies are very important to the well-being of the entire community, they insure safety from malevolent spirits, insure that the crops will grow and that people's…
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A Gope board, Papuan Gulf, finely carved and painted with red and white ochres. 151 x 31 cm
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A dance mask, Ramu River or coastal Sepik area, finely carved and painted with the red ochre, the round eyes are made from cut pearl shell. When this mask was used ceremonially, it would have been just the face of an elaborate costume that covered the entire body of the dancer during the ceremony. These ceremonies are very important to the well-being of the entire community, they insure safety from malevolent spirits, insure that the crops will grow and that people's behaviour will be guided by their…
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A Basketry and clay flute mask, Yuat River, the strong and finely woven rattan base of this large mask is covered by clay wand shell wealth objects imbedded as decorations, the three dimensional face is made from a coconut and has traces of ochre paint. 93 x 31 cm
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An old middle Sepik basket hook, this old and well used basket hook is finely carved with two back to back spirit faces and old patina. Provenance: Collected in the 1960's by Father Benedict from the Catholic Mission in Angoram, lower Sepik, Paulian Mission Society 61 cm x 26 cm
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A neckrest, Eastern Highlands Province, in the form of as stylized dog figure with head at either end, pecked designs on heads and old patina. Collected by Peter Hallinan in the 1970's, Okapa District, Eastern Highlands. 58 cm
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An Abelam digging stick finial, this carving is the finial off a 2.5 meter heavy Palm wood yam Digging stick. Yams are the most important food for the Abelam people and integral to their ceremonies, the top of the old digging sticks always had the face of an ancestor that helped ensure a bountiful crop. 86 cm
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Two Karawari River figure heads fragments, 42 cm, 52 cm (2)
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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. 28 x 17 cm
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A net weaving shuttle and two wood needles, Lake Sentani, late 19th or early 20th century; the shuttle has Sentani designs incised on both sides, the top with two lizards, both weaving needles deeply incised with Fou design. Shuttle: 46 cm, Needles: 24 cm each (3)
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Two fine dance wands, in the form of birds, Malaita Island, with ochre painted designs on both sides. 49 cm, 52 cm (2)
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A finely woven basketry fish trap, unknown if Australian or New Guinea . 110 cm
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Three old Bows andSpear, two very old bows from the Southern Highlands, together with an orchid stem fibre covered bow from Bougainville Island ( in near perfect original condition), and a mount Hagen spear finial. Collected by Todd Barlin 'Two Bows were collected in 1985 I walked with medical patrol from lake Kopiago in the Southern Highlands to the Hewa people (they are between the Southern Highlands & East Sepik Province ) It took three days of up and down mountains and on the third late afternoon we…
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