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

Tribal, Historical, Traditional & Asian — Aalders Auctions

Auction House:Aalders AuctionsNumber of lots recorded:895
Sale Title:Tribal, Historical, Traditional & AsianLots with images:793
Auction Location:SydneyPrices available:520
Date:27-May-2018
***
Abelam yam mask, Prince Alexander Mountains, Sepik region, Papua New Guinea, tightly woven cane mask, well painted red face, and the 'Headdress' formed by the heads of four hornbill birds, 66 x 32 cm
***
***
***
Asmat double ancestor figure, West Papua, Indonesia, these soft mangrove wood figures are related to the headhunting rituals of Asmat culture 66 x 14 x 14 cm
***
***
***
Mendi Valley fighting shield, Southern Highlands, Papua New Guinea, used in tribal fighting, red figure represents an ancestor, who gives power to the warrior who carries this shield, 125 x 50 cm
***
***
***
Abelam 'Baba' woven helmet mask, Sepik River region, Papua New Guinea, these masks are worn by men, whose legs are covered by a long grass skirt made of sago or coconut leaves. They represent spirits, 59 x 22 x 38 cm
***
***
***
Crocodile ancestor figure, Tigowi village, Middle Sepik River, this figure is a Creation ancestor, called 'Kumbiamu', the first creature in the world when it was covered in water; he created the land, later the trees and animals, and finally mankind, 58 x 13 x 18 cm
***
***
***
Two yam masks, used in yam harvest ceremonies, the yam is considered 'Alive' and is decorated with a mask, shells, leaves and flowers, as part of fertility rites, 34 cm & 29 cm (2)
***
***
***
Man's pectoral war charm, beautifully woven figure, worn on the chest and back, with face, pig's tusks and shells, in warfare it is held in the mouth, 30 x 16 cm
***
***
***
Two yam masks, used in yam harvest ceremonies, the yam is considered 'Alive' and is decorated with a mask, shells, leaves and flowers, as part of fertility rites, 34 cm & 29 cm, (2)
***
***
***
Papua New Guinea dance mask, Potentially: coastal Sepik Ramu River areas, old mask, showing use, with fine detail especially at the curled nose, and a detailed animal on the forehead, 44 x 20 cm
***
***
***
Mendi Valley fighting shield, Southern Highlands, Papua New Guinea, used in tribal fighting, the red and white design suggests a face, while the raised black lines suggest a figure - both ancestral power images to protect the warrior who carries this shield, 126 x 40 cm
***
***
***
Hunstein Mountains, mountain God, Upper Sepik River, these hooked figures called 'Garra' represent powerful spirits; the hooks are both spirit spears and also ancestral bird beaks, 105 x 17 cm
***
***
***
Beautiful giant clamshell ring, Prince Alexander Mountains, Sepik area, Papua New Guinea, very large and very beautiful ring, cut with bamboo, it is 'money' often used in bride price transactions, decorated with nassa shell binding, set on metal stand, diameter 27 cm
***
***
***
Abelam woven Helmut mask, 'Baba' Sepik River area, Papua New Guinea, these masks are worn by men, whose legs are covered by a long grass skirt made of sago or coconut leaves, they represent spirits
***
***
***
Rare & old Solomon Islands pearl shell pectoral, ceremonial pectoral worn only by men, with frigate bird emblems, and a rope of cowrie shells, 47 x 21 cm
***
***
***
Two New Guinea Highlands pectorals, Mendi Valley area, Southern Highlands, white bailer shell worn on the chest by men; and a pearl shell necklace with red ochre, worn by both men and women, 27 x 16 cm & 16 x 16 cm
***
***
***
Wonderful Abelam figure of a flying fox, Wosera, East Sepik area, Papua New Guinea, beautiful expressive flying fox ancestor made from woven fibre, exact use unknown, set on metal stand, 17 x 40 cm
***
***
***
Ancient Manam Island drum finial, north Coast, Papua New Guinea, this is the end of a large slitgong or 'Garamut' drum, it is heavily weathered but retains the main features of the figure and abstract lizard on its back, May be stone-carved 44 x 25 x 20 cm
***
***
***
Large Abelam yam mask, East Sepik, Papua New Guinea, this is an extraordinarily large yam mask - with three faces, used to decorate yams in the yam fertility ritual of the Abelam, well-painted, 86 x 25 cm
***
***
***
Two betel Mortars, coastal Sepik River area Papua New Guinea, used by older people who have lost their teeth to crush the betel nut, mixed with pepper and lime. Ancestor figures under bowl, height 13 cm, 9 cm, (2)
***
***
***
Two betel Mortars, coastal Sepik River area, Papua New Guinea, used by older people who have lost their teeth to crush the betel nut, mixed with pepper and lime, ancestor figures under bowl, height 10 cm, 16 cm, (2)
***
***
***
Papua New Guinea Highlands men's ceremonial apron, of knotted plant fiber painted with bands of white, yellow and red pigments, with a fringe of knotted straps alternating with chains of woven cane, all accented with pig tail tips and fur
***
***
***
Abelam yam mask, East Sepik. Province, Papua New Guinea, woven plant fibre with iron red and accented with white pigments, height 37 cm
***
***
***
Indonesian turtle shell hair comb, of curved form with a pierced decoration featuring horses and roosters, above bands of engraved geometric decoration, height 15 cm
***
***
***
Wonderful Sepik Region ceremonial Armband, Papua New Guinea, turtle shell, of tubular form, engraved with a repeating banded decoration, pierced and laced with plant fibre cord and cowrie shell, width 15 cm
***
***
***
Massim lime container and cover, Papua New Guinea, the container made of a miniature coconut engraved with a stylised insect, the coconut wood cover set with pig tusk handle, length 14 cm
***
***
***
Mendi area Bailer shell pectoral, Southern Highlands. Province, Papua New Guinea, the shell having a good patina, pierced and bound to a plant fibre cord, length 24.5 cm
***
***
***
Kwoma yam ritual pottery head, Sepik River Region, Papua New Guinea, terracotta modelled as male head with protruding eyes, open mouth and beard, painted black and accented with white and yellow pigments, height 21 cm
***
***
***
Tolai Bride wealth Kina shell, New Britain, Papua New Guinea, the pearl shell shaped with a notched knob element to one side, pierced and attached to a plant fibre cord, diameter 21 cm
***
***
***
Engraved Conch shell horn, profusely carved with a processional scene including Hindu deities, stained, fitted with chased silver mouth piece and mount, the finial set with a red coral cabochon, length 21.5 cm
***
***
***
Finely carved Timorese walking stick, in hardwood carved with a figurative pommel above a frieze of stylised lizards within concentric geometric bands, length 91 cm
***
***
***
Massim lime spatula, Papua New Guinea, in finely carved ebony with a figurative pierced and incised handle above a carved and waisted stem, length 40.8 cm
***
***
***
Rare Massim lime Clapper spatula, Papua New Guinea, the split carved handled above a waisted neck set with twin pierced scrolling lobes, length 38.8 cm, with a metal stand
***
***
***
Bride Price chest ornament Avitip Region, Upper Sepik River, Papua New Guinea, woven fiber with cowrie shell borders and shell and button eyes, accented with red and blue pigments.
***
***
***
Rare Kandimbong figure, north Coast, Papua New Guinea, the standing male figure painted iron red, with a headdress and a dogs teeth necklace; accented with traces of decoration in white, black, pink and yellow pigments, height 53 cm, on a wooden base
***
***
***
Kakame ritual figure, Urama Island, Papuan Gulf, Papua New Guinea, carved head above deeply incised patterned decoration accented with ochre red and white pigments and an applied woven fibre and cowrie shell waistband to the lower fork, height 57 cm
***
***
***
Kakame ritual figure, Urama Island, Papuan Gulf, Papua New Guinea, of a standing female, with incised body markings accented in ochre red and white pigments and a plant fibre skirt to the figure's waist, height 53 cm, on a metal stand
***
***
***
Maori Toi Whakairo carved wooden panel, depicting a figure with the tongue sticking out and wide open paua shell set eyes, 48 x 23.5 cm
***
***
***
Papunya Tula Coolamon, the exterior surface dot painted in black, white ochre red and yellow paint, length 74.5 cm, collected in the 1980's
***
***
***
Gable mask, Kanengara village, Karawari area, Papua New Guinea, of carved timber stained black and the incised decoration accented in ochre red and white, with cowrie shell eyes and wooden septum ring, height 74 cm
***
***
***
Dempsey, Willie, Kwakiutl first Nation, Gilford Island, British Columbia, Canada Thunder bird and Killer whale Myth, carved and painted wall plaque, height 63 cm
***
***
***
Unusual Trobriand Sprial walking stick, in the form of a stylised crocodile, the head proceeding the tip, length 89 cm
***
***
***
Antelope mask, Bamana, Mali, with incised geometric decoration and attached cowrie shells and metal rings, height 50 cm
***
***
***
Buffalo mask, probably Guro, Cote d' Ïvoire, height 43 cm
***
***
***
Aboriginal bark painting of a Wandjina, painted in black, white, red and yellow ochre tones, 23 x 14 cm
***
***
***
Aboriginal bark painting, Arnold Watt Thuganmu, 1941-2006 Mornington Island, Torres Straits signed and dated lower right: A.Watt. Thuganmu 1972 35 x 19.5 cm
***
***
***
Aboriginal bark painting, depicting four crayfish, and sea snakes, in red, black, yellow and red ochre, pinned to a MDF board, a/f, 49 x 29 cm
***
***
***
New Guinea wood carving of a bird, carved in the round and painted iron red and white on a dark background, height 66 cm
***
***
***
Bride Price chest ornament, Avitip area, Upper Sepik River, Papua New Guinea, woven fibre with cowrie shell borders and a shell eye, a/f
***
***
***
Old Gope spirit board, Papuan Gulf; with incised repeating eye pattern, traces of white and black pigment, height 96.5 cm
***
***
***
Old Gope spirit board, Papuan Gulf, incised figure outlined in black with traces of white pigment, traces of timber rot to either end, length 88 cm
***
***
***
Two Gope spirit boards, Papuan Gulf; each with incised figural design and traces of red, black and white pigments, length 85 cm & 73 cm, (2)
***
***
***
Gope spirit board, Papuan Gulf; with an incised stylised figure, outlined in black with traces of white and iron red pigments, length 105.5 cm
***
***
***
Ramu River Romkun Sacred flute hook mask, Papua New Guinea, dark stained timber trimmed with cassowary feathers bound with plant fibrr, New Guinea Primitive arts, Sydney label attached, length 70 cm
***
***
***
Middle Sepik Garra hook mask, Papua New Guinea, the stylised human face bracketed by three bands of hooks, painted iron red, black and white. Length 72 cm
***
***
***
Old Garra hook mask, the stylised human face bracketed by three bands of hooks, extensive traces of black and white pigment. A/f, length 51 cm
***
***
***
Middle Sepik spirit mask, David Jones label verso including: 'Sabi mask/ Angriman village' length 74 cm
***
***
***
Plank mask - Nwantantay, Bwa (Bobo Ule), Burkino Faso, wood painted in black, white and red, length 209 cm
***
***
***
Tiwi bird totem. Of a water bird painted in black, white red and yellow ochre, height 59 cm
***
***
***
Murik Lakes figural food hook, lower Sepik, Papua New Guinea, the timber stained black, length 100 cm
***
***
***
Wooden mask of a Raptor, painted in black and red, on a wire and wood stand, height 49 cm
***
***
***
Yipwon hook figure, Korewori River, Papua New Guinea, timber with black, white and iron red pigments, and accented with cowrie shell, height 244 cm
***
***
***
Tiwi Pukamani pole, height 73 cm
***
***
***
Two Pacific Islands Tapa cloths, possibly Samoan Saipo cloth, 148 x 88 cm and 159 x 136 cm, (2)
***
***
***
Trobriand walking stick, together with another and a palm-wood walking stick, Trobriand Islands, Papua New Guinea and Pacific, (3)
***
***
***
Two Trobriand walking sticks, Trobriand Islands, Papua New Guinea, domed pommels and figurally carved canes (2)
***
***
***
Two Abelam figural carvings, East Sepik. Province, Papua New Guinea, male totems painted in ochre red and yellow, white and black, height 78 cm and 101 cm, (2)
***
***
***
Hindu Kamandalu water vessel, half Coco-de-Mer, carved wood and brass spout and rivets, 20th century, height 29 cm
***
***
***
Bark painting of emus, Arnhem Land, Australia, mineral pigments on bark, circa 1965, 33.5 x 22 cm
***
***
***
Petyarre, Jeannie born 1951 Anmatyerre Atneltyeye - Utopia Women's ceremony March 91 artist, title and date verso, acrylic on canvas board 61 x 30 cm
***
***
***
Bark painting, Australia, shield shaped, depicting a dancer with two boomerangs and an elaborate headdress, height 59 cm
***
***
***
Old Baule Blolo Bian spirit Wife figure, classic Baule female figural carving in the traditional stance. The Baule believe that before they were born they lived in a spirit world, where each had a mate. If the spirit spouse became jealous of the earthly spouse this could caused marital strife. To counter this, a carving of the unhappy spirit wife would be made and housed in a shrine in the husband's house to placate it, signs of age and wear
***
***
***
Nigerian Yoruba figural Terminal fragment from a ceremonial staff, striking terminal depicting a woman on her knees holding her breasts, possibly broken off the top of a ceremonial staff or sceptre of the powerful Shango cult, some stable cracking at the base of the rod
***
***
***
Elegant Baule male figure, impressive male figure has a serene face supported by a strong and well-balanced body, aged patina with stable age cracks on either side of the groin and on one side
***
***
***
Small Hemba male ancestor figure or Singiti, Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Hemba sculptural tradition is devoted mainly to representation of male ancestors and the style and pose of this example is typical - hands on hips and stomach protruding. Singiti are important symbols of authority and continuity and it is common for men of importance to own several. They are not portraits, but symbolise idealised male attributes even though the male organ is usually not prominent
***
***
***
Detgained miniature Bambara ancestor figure, Mali, small male figure shows extremely well carved detailing of the heavy Bambara three section hair styling, delicate facial features and the extensive ritual scar pattern on the stomach and chest. This carving is further embellished with copper wire rolled around the neck, elbows and ankles and a belt of glass beads around the waist.
***
***
***
Yoruba Ibeji female twin Protective figure, older carving represents a deceased twin and it is decorated with a necklace of antique glass beads and strings of heishi bead discs around the neck, hands, waist and feet. The Yoruba have one of the world's highest rates of twin births, but up till modern times, a Nigeria, very high rate of infant mortality. Twins were regarded as a blessing and these ibeji figures were carved to represent the missing twin, thus appeasing the departed spirit and protecting the…
***
***
***
Yoruba female I'beji figure to Protect a Surviving twin, Nigeria, old Yoruba twin figure for the ebegi cult, decorated with a waist string of small antique Venetian glass beads. Ibeji are symbolic representations of a deceased twin and are not carved as realistic portraits. Condition: a stable crack on the left hand side running up to torso and the side of the head.
***
***
***
Ashanti Akuaba fertility doll, dark Patina, Ghana, Ashanti fertility dolls are recommended for pregnant, infertile and young married women by a herbalist, or generally a priest. Like living children, they are dressed and tied to the back, and May be kept in a home shrine when not being carried. This elegant example has an intricate pattern carved on the back of the round disk face, possibly representing the handle of a carved wooden comb. Please note: minimal loss at the top edge of the face
***
***
***
Ashanti Akuaba fertility doll, head Tilted Forward a/f
***
***
***
Old Punu Duma female guardian spirit mask, broad face, Gabon, symbolising feminine beauty in the abstract, these spirit masks, danced by trained stilt dancers, are a familiar sitght at funerals and other ceremonial events of the Punu people. This is a variant in the broad face form and is attached to the stilt dancer's head and costume by multiple fixing holes. Provenance: Christensen collection, CC40447, then private collection Southern Highlands
***
***
***
Unusual form of Punu maiden mask or Duma, carved with carification on the cheekbones and forehead, Punu maiden masks are known for their simple, unflawed beauty and perfection, but this older variant of a type represented in the collections of the British Museum and many other famous institutions presents the maiden's face with significant geometric scarification above the brow and cheekbones. Since carvers traditionally chose the most beautiful village woman as their models, this must have been a local
***
***
***
Old Pende Katundu Initiation mask, Zaire, the katundu is the best known Pende mask style and is worn by young male imniitates in the imbuya dance that marks the end of male initiation rites. The high forehead, snub nose and pursed lips are all typical. This mask shows signs of age, wear and pigment l;oss. But some of the original red ochre pigment is still visible
***
***
***
Old Ibibio Mfon mask, Nigeria, with elaborate hairstyle and filed teeth, Mfon masks represent respected members of the community such as this woman with her broad, serene face, with eyeballs and teeth highlighted in white koalin pigment. This appears to be an older mask with signs of wear and use visible on the back
***
***
***
Carved New Guinea tribal ancestral figure, carved in the form of a figure with beak, set with cowrie shell eyes and accented in pigments, on stand, height 65 cm
***
***
***
Elegant and unusual old Dan mask, mask with a band of red and white pigment across the eyes, ivory Coast, elegant and simple concave face of this powerful mask has a dramatic band of white koalin edged with red slashed across the eyes, a decoration that May indicate the stylistic influence of the neighbouring Guro tribe. Provenance: Christensen Fund # CC400432.
***
***
***
Old and well Used Punu Duma female guardian spirit mask, with worn pigments, Gabon, appears to have been originally painted in traditional white koalin with red lips, with traces of the original pigment still visible. An older example, as the most recent ones are carved in lighter, softer timber. Provenance: Purchased Christensen collection, then private collection Southern Highlands.
***
***
***
Old and well used Punu Duma female guardian spirit mask, with worn pigments, Gabon, This old Punu maiden spirit mask was originally painted in traditional white koalin with red lips, but most of this colour has worn off over time, though there are traces of the original pigment still visible. An older example, as the most recent ones are carved in lighter, softer timber. Provenance: Purchased Christensen collection, then private collection Southern Highlands.
***
***
***
Classic old Dan mask, this lovely old mask has suffered extensive loss to the right cheek and minor damage to the left cheek above the right eyebrow, yet its elegant form survives
***
***
***
Classic old Dan female mask, with a serene expression, worn patina, carved in the classic Dan style with almost closed eyes and a full mouth is an expression of feminine beauty
***
***
***
Elongated Fang Ngil Sorcerer hunting mask, with good surviving pigments, Gabon, good old rendition of a powerful Fang ngil dance mask with its elongated face and predominantly white pigment, indicating its place in the spirit world. These masks were used to sniff out village sorcerers in rituals that were suppressed by the colonial authorities because of the violence they engendered. Provenance: Christensen Fund # CC40443, then private collection Southern Highlands.
***
***
***
Extremely old and rare Fang Ngil Sorcerer-hunting mask, Gabon, the elongated and almost abstract nigl mask was danced to sniff out sorcerers in the village and was very much feared - so much so that it was banned by the colonial authorities in Gabon in 1919 because of the excessive brutality encouraged by the maskers during these rituals. It is very rare to find one of this age, which, in spite of its weathered condition and some loss above the eyes, still conveys the other worldly power it embodies.…
***
***
***
Early south American glazed twin handled flask, in a cream glaze accented with two frogs to the shoulders, flanked by lug handles, height 40 cm
***
***
***
Pre-Columbian pottery amphora, with slihtly spreading lip, above mask face, the baluster body, decorated with geometric and line motifs in natural brown and black pigments, height 33 cm
***
***
***
Outstanding old Senufo Kpelie mask, topped with a human figure and ram's horns, ivory Coast, Senufo kplelie masks are ritually used by the Poro secret society in initiations, crop fertility and funerary rites. The small human figure above the spirit face represents a merchant ancestor, while the ram's horns represent a sacrifice. Provenance: Chistensen Fund # CC40448.
***
***
***
Old Baule male ancestor portrait mask, finely carved and with a rich patina, ivory Coast, realistic bearded male portrait mask in the Northern Dan style featuring aesthetically refined features and detailed tribal cicatrisation.
***
***
***
Large, elegant and well used Dan female mask, this beautiful old Dan mask with its languid, heavy features, has obvious indications of extensive use and wear. The hairstyle, built up from plaited strips of indigo-dyed native cotton cloth is a regional style marker. The mask once had sheet metal ovals around each eye, but these have been lost, although the marks where they were affixed are visible. Provenance: Purchased Christensen collection, then private collection Southern Highlands.
***
***
***
Maori wooden patu, the paddle with a carved pattern, the figurative pommel inset with bone and paua shell eyes, on a platted cord with a bone bead, length 40 cm
***
***
***
Pacific Islands Tapa cloth, 187 x 97 cm
***
***
***
Ere Ibegi female Twins, late 20th century, south West Nigeria, wood with black and red pigments, glass beads, cowrie shells and thread, height 29.5 cm
***
***
***
Papua New Guinea figural hook, wood with coloured pigments and accented with cowrie shell, height 164 cm
***
***