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Fine Aboriginal & Oceanic Art — Theodore Bruce Auctioneers & Valuers

Auction House:Theodore Bruce Auctioneers & ValuersNumber of lots recorded:273
Sale Title:Fine Aboriginal & Oceanic ArtLots with images:273
Auction Location:SydneyPrices available:260
Date:4-Jun-2017
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An ancestral figure, weathered appearance, portion of leg and genitalia missing, other slight damages as per image A/F, Yangaru region, East Sepik Province PNG. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, height 83 cm
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An ancestral figure, with incised tribal markings on torso and face, grass skirt and mother of pearl eyes, lateral crack on rear of head and shoulder, mounted on custom metal stand, Highlands area PNG. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, height 72 cm
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A wooden trophy head, traces of ochre and tassel decorations in ears, dated 1974, Palembai village, Sepik river PNG. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, length 38 cm
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A wooden trophy head, incised and decorated with natural ochres and string tassels, damage to nose and split at rear, Guvermas village, Blackwater river Sepik region PNG. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, length 29 cm
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A canoe prow, weathered appearance, carved with traditional patterns and with a squatting human figure to top, Murik Lakes, lower Sepik river PNG. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, length 54 cm
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Two wooden trophy heads, one from Chambi Lakes, the other from Sepik river region PNG. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, height 19 cm
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Two wooden bowls, both in dense hardwood with patina from age. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, length 28 - 31 cm
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An ancestral figure of an Asmat warrior holding a Severed human head, decorated with tufts of cassowary feathers, mounted on wooden stand, Asmat region, West Papua. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, height 55 cm
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An old Baba mask, remnants of polychrome ochre decoration, Abelam people, Maprik region, PNG. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, length 38 cm
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A large Baba mask, in an unusual form, monochrome black pigment decroation, prominent ears, Abelam people, Maprik region, East Sepik Province PNG. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, length 62 cm
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Two woven objects, one a child's dance helmet, from Kanangra village Blackwater river, a 'Mumut' or bandicoot figure from Tambanum village Sepik river PNG. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, length 44 cm [moumout]
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A Waskuk ritual bowl, with two formed ancestral faces showing mirthful expressions, Mino village, Washkuk Hills, upper Sepik region PNG. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, length 33 cm
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A shield, carved in the form of large ancestral face, incised with traditional motifs, considerable wear and chipping on top and bottom, Kambot village, Keram river, Sepik region PNG. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, height 173 cm
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A cult figure, of unusual form, series of stylised ribs centred around an exaggerated navel, collection # 127945, Karawari river, Sepik region PNG. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, length 116 cm
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A Splashboard, incised design to top, portion of base painted with pink enamel paint, signs of extensive use, Trobriand Islands PNG. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, length 78 cm
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A Gope board, with stylised figure incised to front with exaggerated head, decorated with natural earth pigments, Papuan Gulf region PNG. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, length 145 cm
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A large ancestral hook figure, weathered appearance, profusely incised design of recurring scallops, collection # 77965, Chambri Lakes, Sepik region PNG. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, length 180 cm
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A Gope board, showing signs of age, extensively carved and decorated with red ochre, collection # 3.882.225, Siviri village, Karima area Papuan Gulf PNG. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, Ex Deutscher & Hackett Lot 189, AWN91144, a Papuan Gulf ancestor Gope extensively carved wood with red & white... Tag to back reads: Gope board...purchased 1982... Written on back: Gope board, Siviri village, Kerema area, 3.83.225, length 157 cm
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An old Dayak paddle, with a fine incised pattern on both sides of paddle, t-junction hande with one side broken. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, length 122 cm
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Two woman's Paddles, of weathered appearance, in tear drop design with central reinforcing spine, Sepik region PNG. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, length 164 - 178 cm
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A large Murik Lakes man's paddle & two others, Murik paddle with elaborate ancestral design, one paddle damaged at side A/F. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, length 158 - 245 cm
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Two Trobriand Island woman's Paddles, of weathered appearance, Trobriand Islands PNG. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, length 161 - 163 cm
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A huon Gulf paddle and one dark wood paddle, with profuse intricate incised design at paddle base, some damage to one side, binding repair to shaft, huon Gulf PNG. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, length 182 cm
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A lake Sentani paddle plus one other, old used paddle with intricate traditional Sentani design on both faces, lake Sentani, West Papua. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, length 165 - 188 cm
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Two Sentani Paddles, both with profuse geometric spiralling designs, Sentani Lakes, West Papua. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, length 154 - 184 cm
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A finial figure in the form of a male ancestor, with a hornbill bird perched on his back, Abelam people, Maprik region, East Sepik Province PNG. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, 104 x 112 cm
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A wooden fighting club, knob finial, flared end, Efete Island Vanuatu. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, length 76 cm
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An ancestral figure, with elongated stylised headdress, Keram river, Sepik region PNG. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, height 61 cm
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Two Sago Scoops, incorporating an ancestral face in squatting form at base of scoop, huon Gulf region PNG. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, length 81 - 122 cm
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Two Sago Scoops/Stirrers, one incorporating a figure with arm clasping the head, huon Gulf region PNG. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, length 73 - 103 cm
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A head rest and a Bilum hook, head rest in symmetrical form with stylised figure on each finial, hook with lug to rear for suspension, signs of use, collected 1977 catalogue # 127714, Palembai village. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, length 26 - 33 cm
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Two Papuan Gulf implements, with fretwork and topped with the head of an ancestral being, insect damage to one A/F, Papuan Gulf region PNG. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, length 103 - 127 cm
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A Serui Sago scoop & a black palm sword, scoop with profusely incised ancestral design and patina from use, the club incised on one side, minor chips on point, West Papua and Sepik. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, length 52 - 112 cm
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A Trobriand Islands staff, in the form of two outward gazing figures, one male one female, ebony, Kiriwina, Trobriand Islands PNG. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, length 102 cm
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Two ancestral carvings, one in the form of a fish, the other in the form of a bird with cowrie shell eyes and minor chips to base. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, length 83 - 89 cm
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Three Beating implements, of various form, all exhibiting signs of use, New Guinea . Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, length 31 - 56 cm
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Two head rests, one in squat form with incised pattern, Tambanum village, the other with legs formed from manipulated lawyer cane, adorned with a turtle and a shark, West Papua. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, length 31 - 63 cm
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Two Trobriand Islands implements & a Sepik Stirring stick, finely crafted Kiriwina axe handle, a Trobriand sago stirrer, and a small Sepik cooking implement. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, length 48 - 89 cm
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Two Abelam Sago Pegs, used to fix the fabric while draining sago slurry, both with stylised hornbills and ancestral faces, Maprik region, East Sepik Province PNG. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, length 54 - 56 cm
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Two Abelam Sago Pegs, one with stylised parrot head on terminus, the other finely carved with an Abelam face topped with a incised and painted hornbill, Maprik region, East Sepik Province PNG. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, length 54 - 68 cm
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A Massim canoe Bailer, in anthropomorphic form, signs of use, Trobriand Islands PNG. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, length 54 cm
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A Massim canoe Bailer, in anthropomorphic form, signs of use, Trobriand Islands PNG. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, length 47 cm
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A Massim canoe Bailer, in the form of a stylised face, signs of use, Trobriand Islands PNG. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, length 39 cm
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A pair of Massim canoe Bailers, both exhibiting wear from use, Trobriand Islands PNG. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, length 31 - 32 cm
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A pair of Massim canoe Bailers, signs of wear conducive with use, Trobriand Islands, PNG. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, length 42 - 44 cm
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A Brassa river war shield, with striking incised design, painted with natural earth pigments, small hole in central portion of shield, Asmat region, West Papua. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, height 171 cm
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A gable mask, with shell inlaid eyes and bird figures to top and base, Guvermas village, Blackwater river Sepik region PNG. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, height 96 cm
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A Keveke dance costume, heavily weathered face over a woven cane body with grass tassels below, some damage to nose region. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, height 158 cm
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Three African tribal stools, each on three legs with dish shaped seat. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, diameter 23 - 29 cm, height 22 - 30 cm
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A bust of a female Yoruba figure, with exaggerated ears, traces of blue colouring, insect damage to base A/F, Nigeria. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, height 32 cm
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A wooden platter and a gourd container, platter exhibiting a dark patina, south East Asia, gourd from Africa. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, height 22 cm, diameter 45 cm
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A Fetish figure, with exaggerated breasts, faded red paint/ochre and eyes from shell inlay, Africa. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, height 65 cm
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An ancestral figure, in hardwood, some wear to base, Lobi people, Ghana. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, height 55 cm
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A female African ancestral figure, with horizontal breasts and clasping a green head, signs of rot to base A/F, Nigeria. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, height 64 cm
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A male African ancestral figure, in hardwood with hands extended, palms facing upwards. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, height 71 cm
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A female African ancestral figure, in light wood with stylised coiffure, two square holes to base of feet indicating that the figure had been mounted on a larger construction. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, height 57 cm
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Two ancestral carvings, a Sepik river bird figure and a small Yina mask from Waskuk region, crack to face, Sepik region PNG. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, length 44 - 54 cm
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An Aboriginal woomera, finely incised, curvy linear design to one side, spinifex resin terminus and wooden peg bound with kangaroo gut, Central Australia. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, length 72 cm
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Eight Intricately etched Arrows with bow. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection
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A Central Australian shield, made from beanwood and fluted on both sides, painted with red ochre, some wear from use to centre of front, chipping to one side of rear, Central Australia. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, length 62 cm
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A Gulmari shield, showing extensive signs of use and wear, remnants of original ochre on both face and reverse, inset handle showing signs of use, Queensland. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, length 54 cm
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A fine 19th century woomera together with an old club, woomera with zig zag designs, Western Australia, club of good form and old patina, length 61 - 62 cm
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A collection of sixteen African flutes, old and used flutes from various tribes. Men used such flutes in rituals to call the names of ancestors and to communicate with one another when hunting, the tones of a well-played flute mimicking the tone of speech. Provenance: ex Brady collection, South Africa, 10.5 - 27 cm
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A power figure, old figure with animal tusk embedded, Congo, height 39 cm
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A mask, an older used mask with encrusted patina and traces of red colour, Ogoni people Nigeria, height 31 cm
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Three African carvings, a Teke figure, Heddy Pulley & Yoruba Shango staff, Nigeria. Provenance: ex Brady collection, South Africa, height 22 - 36 cm
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An Ashanti Chief stool, beautifully carved from hardwood, the central part of the stool with a long necked bird (a clan totem), the deeply incised designs on both sides and top of the stool, Ghana, 38 x 59 cm
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An ancestral Teke figure together with an old Baule figure, Congo and ivory Coast, height 30 cm
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An ancestral figure, finely carved and patina throughout, Cameroon, Central Africa, height 21.5 cm
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A figural drum, skin intact, purchased at Lagawe 1960s by an Australian teacher working on Luzon, Ifugao people, Northern Luzon Islands, height 48 cm
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Ten old carved wooden spoons, most with ancestor figure finial, the two larger spoons with bird finials, most from Northern Luzon Island, Philippines, length 18 - 36 cm
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A Bulul ancestor figure, the muscular standing male ancestor figure with encrusted patina from ritual libations poured over the figure during ceremonies, the head has a small cavity for the insertion of power materials or possible hair, Ifugao people, Northern Luzon Island, Philippines, height 52 cm
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A Bulul ancestral figure, the sitting male ancestor figure with an incised lizard to its back, Ifugao people, Northern Luzon Island Philippines, height 42 cm
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A paper mache mask and three Maskettes, Mongolia, height 8 - 23 cm
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Two old clubs, one Massim lime spatula together with a walking staff with pearl shell inlay, Trobriand Islands, Papua New Guinea, length 36 - 81 cm
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An old ancestral figure, with hands clasped across chest, Indonesia (probably Timor), height 49 cm
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Six old body ornaments, including two kap kap ornaments, an old kina shell, two boar tusk necklaces and shell bangle, New Guinea, length 10 - 33 cm
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A basket hook, old and used, ex Leo Fortess collection Hawaii, middle Sepik river, 58 x 22 cm
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An old Abelam figure together with an old Waskuk head, East Sepik Province, Papua New Guinea, height 44 - 48 cm
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An old Sepik mask and Sepik flute stopper, the flute stopper was collected in 1967 by Andrew Kugler, a petroleum engineer surveying in the Sepik basin, much of his collection was displayed at the Museum of Primitive Art in New York (later the Rockefeller wing of primitive Art at the Metropolitan Museum of Art), he is also mentioned by Douglas Newtown in his book 'crocodile & Cassowary, Sepik river, Papua New Guinea, height 35 - 53 ccm
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A highland female figure and Sepik figure, the female figure in charming naive style, the fine Sepik river figure probably from an older flute stopper, Papua New Guinea, height 38 - 43 cm
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A Sepik stool, finely carved with anthropomorphic feet on both ends of the stool, middle Sepik river area, Papua New Guinea, height 44 cm
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Two Sepik carvings together with two Indonesian figures, height 21 - 29 cm
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Two Solomons Islands carvings, both carved from hardwood with fine pearl shell inlay, collected in the Solomons in the 1970s, length 22 - 26 cm
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Five Sepik river carvings, length 26 - 72 cm
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Five stone objects, origin unknown, length 9 - 33 cm
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Two Massim Pigs, two Maori carvings and five other artefacts, a Massim bowl, two other lidded bowls, a carved figure, a carved small bird and a small Arnhem Land model canoe, length 19 - 54 cm
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An old trade axe, with carved and painted wooden haft decorated with woven tassels. Provenance: ex collection Guy Allen, plantation owner in New Britain before World War II, length 91 cm
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An old staff finial, in the form of a squatting figure wearing a red initiates hat, Bougainville Island Papua New Guinea, height 22 cm
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An early Maori hand club, with finely executed design to both sides, face on handle terminus, minor chips have been repaired, 19th or early 20th century, New Zealand, length 41.5 cm
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Approximately two hundred crocodile teeth, of varying size, some strung together as a necklace, Sepik river region, PNG
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A large Hunstein mountains cult hook, of impressive proportions with three sets of arching hook protrusions around a central lug. The Hunstein Ranges area was first entered by Australian Patrol officers in the mid 1960's. This piece would date from the 1970's. Provenance: from a private collection in Adelaide. Hunstein mountains, upper Sepik river region, Papua New Guinea, height 138 cm
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A Yipwon figure, carved wood with traces of natural earth ochres, mounted on a steel stand, Karawari river, East Sepik Province PNG. Provenance: collected by Cyril van Elst, palm beach, Sydney, in the 1960s, height 160 cm
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An early New Britain dance mask, wood with natural ochre decoration, inside mask is written 'Aua is, New Britain Papua New Guinea . Provenance: Barton Antiques, Sydney, acquired in the 1960s, height 33 cm
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A rare and early Solomon Islands dance paddle, with tattooed design of frigat birds. For similar example see edge Partington series 1, page 204. Eastern Solomon Islands. Provenance: Purchased from an Old English collection in 2005
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A Madura Island drum, in slit gong form, with two elaborate finials of fearsome dragon design, on either side is incised the Dutch coat of arms with two crowned snakes indicating manufacture date being in the early part of the 20th century, hole to side of drum, Indonesia. Provenance: Purchased from an old collection in the United States, Arthur Stannard Vernay 1877- 1960. A very successful antique dealer to the high society in New York opened his own shop in 1906 on 45th Street, just off Fifth Avenue. By…
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A Marquesan transitional figure, carved in traditional form, collected by the vendor c.1972 on a sailing trip to the Marquesas Islands, Marquesas Islands, height 22 cm
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A rare Abelam helmet mask, carved wood with polychrome decoration, two birds on summit, these masks are worn at yam cult ceremonies by an initiated dancer, more commonly these masks were woven from rattan cane, wooden examples are very scarce. Mounted on a custom metal stand. Provenance: Christopher and Anna Thorpe gallery, purchased 2008, accompanying letter, Maprik Region East Sepik Provence Papua New Guinea, height 67 cm
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An Aboriginal coolamon decorated with red ochre and white lateral stripes. Central Australia, length 63 cm
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An Aboriginal bust, Thomas Mun Kanori, in iron wood with natural earth pigment decoration, Tiwi Islands, Northern Territory, height 32 cm
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