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An old West Asmat shield, Monu village, NW Asmat, south Coast…
Sale Title:
Auction House:
Auction Location:
Sydney
Date:
8-May-2016
Lot No.
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Description:
An old West Asmat shield, Monu village, NW Asmat, south Coast of West Papua, south Coast of West Papua. This old, well used war shield is finely incised with the main design depicting a flying fox which is a powerful headhunting symbol. I collected this shield in 1985 and was told by the old man who owned it that the split (which is stable) was made by a spear from a tribal fight with the people from Awemu village over a stolen woman. In this shield you can really see the old style of Asmat carving and the artist's ability to fill the space of the shield with designs that are so powerful that they are said to stun the enemy with fear. The head on top represents a turtle being called Manama, an ancient ancestor of the Asmat.' Todd Barlin. Provenance: Todd Barlin collection. Exhibited and Published in an exhibition: Oceanic arts Pacifica at Casula power house gallery 2014, a half A-4 page photo on page 33 (a copy of this catalogue comes with the shield). 145 x 58 cm
Estimate:
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Price:
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Category:
Unclassified