Online catalogue for the 67th tribal art auction
11 Astragal
Curiosities
made from the petrified metatarsal of a fossile animal, rep., min. dam., slight traces of abrasion; knucklebones also known as astragaloi, hucklebones, dibs, dibstones, jackstones, chuckstones or five-stones, is a game of very ancient origin, played with five small objects, originally the "knucklebones" (actually the astragalus: a bone in the ankle, or hock) of a sheep, which are thrown up and caught in various ways.
L: 10,5 cm; H: 6,5 cm
L: 4.1 inch; H: 2.6 inch
Price: 250 - 500 €
12 Coco de Mer (Lodoicea maldivica)
This object is not available any more.
Curiosities
of typical form with shiny patina, min. dam.; the Coco de Mer is a palm tree, endemic to the islands of Praslin and Curieuse in the Seychelles. Formerly it was known as Maldive Coconut. Its scientific name, Lodoicea maldivica, originated before the 18th century when the Seychelles were uninhabited. In centuries past the coconuts that fell from the trees and ended up in the sea would be carried away westwards by the prevailing sea currents. The nuts can only float after the germination process, when they are hollow. In this way many drifted to the Maldives where they were gathered from the beaches and valued as an important trade and medicinal item. Until the true source of nut was discovered in 1768, it was believed by many to grow on a mythical tree at the bottom of the sea. European nobles in the sixteenth century would often have the shells of these nuts cleaned and decorated with valuable jewels as collectibles for their private galleries. The Coco de Mer is now a rare protected species.
L: 30 cm
L: 11.8 inch
Provenance
French Collection
Sold.
13 Coco de Mer (Lodoicea maldivica)
This object is not available any more.
Curiosities
of typical form with shiny patina, min. dam.
L: 28 cm
L: 11 inch
Provenance
French Collection
Sold.
14 Coco de Mer (Lodoicea maldivica)
This object is not available any more.
Curiosities
of typical form with shiny patina, min. dam.
L: 28 cm
L: 11 inch
Provenance
French Collection
Sold.
15 Collection of insects
This object is not available any more.
Curiosities
4 boxes, a big and 68 small beetles with captions, spiked in a cardboard box, m: 10,5 cm x 15,5 cm; 30 smaller and 3 big beetles with captions, thereunder a Carabus gigas, spiked in a wooden box , m: 9,5 cm x 15 cm; 12 different sized beetles with captions, spiked in a wooden box, m: 6 cm x 7,5 cm, additional a wooden box with 3 small beetles, amongst others a ladybird, m: 5 cm x 7,5 cm; all showing slight traces of age; coleoptera is an order of insects commonly called beetles. Coleoptera contains more species than any other order, constituting almost 25% of all known life-forms. About 40% of all described insect species are beetles about 350,000 species, and new species are discovered frequently.
M: 10,5 cm x 15,5 cm
M: 4.1 inch x 6.1 inch
Price: 350 - 700 €
16 Showcase with bat and insects
This object is not available any more.
Curiosities
with horseshoe bat (Rhinolophida), different insects, et. al. an empress cicada (Pomponia imperatoria), displayed in a wooden cabinet with latin captions; horseshoe bats (Rhinolophidae) are a family of bats. In addition to the single living genus, Rhinolophus, there is one extinct genus, Palaeonycteris.
M: 35,5 cm x 20,5 cm
M: 14 inch x 8.1 inch
Sold.
17 Porcupine fish (Diodontidae)
This object is not available any more.
Curiosities
preserved, the bowl-shaped body coated with long stings, min. dam., minor mising parts (stings); they are sometimes confused with pufferfish. Porcupine fish are closely related to puffer fishes but porcupine fish have heavier spines (reminiscent of porcupines) on their body. Also unlike the puffer fishes, they have only a single plate of fused teeth in each of the upper and lower jaws.
L: 46 cm
L: 18.1 inch
Sold.
18 Turtle shell
Curiosities
brown with yellow spots, shiny surface, min. dam., slight traces of abrasion; tortoises and turtels are amongst the oldest of all living reptiles. They first appeared 200 million years ago, but have evolved little in the intervening time so that the living species are remarkably similar to those that lived side by side with such animals as the dinosaurs.
L: 42,5 cm; B: 38 cm
L: 16.7 inch; B: 15 inch
Provenance
collected in situ, 1977
Price: 150 - 300 €
19 Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus)
This object is not available any more.
Curiosities
preserved, with open mouth, fine patina, min. dam., missing parts (teeth), slight traces of abrasion; coming from the Victorian era (1837-1901) The people of Ancient Egypt worshiped Sobek, a crocodile-god associated with fertility, protection, and the power of the Pharaoh.They had an ambivalent relationship with Sobek, as they did (and do) with the Nile crocodile. Sometimes they hunted crocodiles and reviled Sobek, and sometimes they saw him as a protector and source of pharonic power. Sobek was depicted as a crocodile, as a mummified crocodile, or as a man with the head of a crocodile. According to Herodotus in the 5th century B.C., some Egyptians kept crocodiles as pampered pets. In Sobek's temple in Arsinoe, a crocodile was kept in the pool of the temple, where it was fed, covered with jewelry, and worshipped. When the crocodiles died, they were embalmed, mummified, placed in sarcophagi, and then buried in a sacred tomb. Many mummified crocodiles and even crocodile eggs have been found in Egyptian tombs.
L: 154 cm
L: 60.6 inch
Provenance
Mr. Potter's Museum, Cornwall, England
Price: 3000 - 6000 €
20 Male Australian King Parrot (Alisterus scapularis)
This object is not available any more.
Curiosities
preserved, sitting on a branch,slight traces of age, on marble base; in their native Australia, King Parrots are occasionally bred in aviaries and kept as calm and relatively quiet household pets if hand-raised. They are relatively unknown outside Australia. As pets, they have limited "talking" ability and normally prefer not to be handled, but they do bond readily to people and can be very devoted. Life expectancy in the wild is unknown, but some pets have been known to live for up to 25 years.
H: 43 cm
H: 16.9 inch
Price: 400 - 700 €
21 Different birds
This object is not available any more.
Curiosities
preserved, a common pheasant (phasanius colchius), a northern lapwing (vanellus vanellus) and a common shelduck (Tadorna tadorna), presented in an antique wooden showcase (46,5 cm x 83,5 cm) with painted background and dried plants, min. dam., slight traces of usage; the Common Pheasant is a bird in the pheasant family (Phasianidae). It is native to Russia and has been widely introduced elsewhere as a game bird. In parts of its range, namely in places where none of its relatives occur such as in Europe (where it is naturalized), it is simply known as the "pheasant".
Sold.
22 Common Cuckoo (Cuculus canorus)
This object is not available any more.
Curiosities
preserved, presented in an old, partly goldened wooden showcase (37,5 cm x 35 cm) with painted background and dried plants, together with a small bunting or pipit, min. dam., slight traces of usage; the Common Cuckoo is a brood parasite which lays its eggs in the nests of other birds. At the appropriate moment, the hen cuckoo flies down to the host's nest, pushes one egg out, lays an egg and flies off. The whole process takes about 10 seconds. A female may visit up to 50 nests during a breeding season.
Sold.
23 Vertebra of a sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus)
This object is not available any more.
Curiosities
slightly poriferous surface, min. dam., minor missing parts, on metal base; the sperm whale is the largest toothed whale, with adult males measuring up to 20,5 m long and weighing up to 57 tons. Extensive whaling may have decreased their size, as males were highly sought, primarily after World War II. Today, males do not usually exceed 18,3 m in length or 51 tons in weight.
H: 43 cm; B: 42 cm
H: 16.9 inch; B: 16.5 inch
Price: 350 - 600 €
24 Vertebra of a sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus)
This object is not available any more.
Curiosities
slightly poriferous surface, min. dam., minor missing parts, on metal base; the order Cetacea includes the marine mammals commonly known as whales, dolphins, and porpoises. Cetus is Latin and is used in biological names to mean "whale"; its original meaning, "large sea animal", was more general. They are the mammals best adapted to aquatic life.
H: 46 cm; B: 46,5 cm
H: 18.1 inch; B: 18.3 inch
Price: 350 - 600 €
25 Vertebra of a sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus)
This object is not available any more.
Curiosities
slightly poriferous surface, min. dam., minor missing parts, cracks, on metal base
H: 45 cm; B: 48 cm
H: 17.7 inch; B: 18.9 inch
Price: 350 - 600 €
26 Vertebra of a sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus)
This object is not available any more.
Curiosities
slightly poriferous surface, min. dam., minor missing parts, on metal base
H: 34,5 cm; B: 26 cm
H: 13.6 inch; B: 10.2 inch
Price: 350 - 600 €
27 Vertebra of a sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus)
This object is not available any more.
Curiosities
slightly poriferous surface, min. dam., minor missing parts, on metal base
H: 41 cm; B: 38 cm
H: 16.1 inch; B: 15 inch
Price: 350 - 600 €
28 Vertebra of a sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus)
This object is not available any more.
Curiosities
lightly poriferous surface, min. dam., minor missing parts, on metal base
H: 47 cm; B: 42 cm
H: 18.5 inch; B: 16.5 inch
Price: 350 - 600 €
29 Vertebra of a sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus)
This object is not available any more.
Curiosities
slightly poriferous surface, min. dam., minor missing parts, on metal base
H: 43,5 cm; B: 46 cm
H: 17.1 inch; B: 18.1 inch
Price: 350 - 600 €
30 Vertebra of a sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus)
This object is not available any more.
Curiosities
slightly poriferous surface, min. dam., missing parts, on metal base
H: 48 cm; B: 42 cm
H: 18.9 inch; B: 16.5 inch
Price: 350 - 600 €
31 Vertebra of a sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus)
This object is not available any more.
Curiosities
slightly poriferous surface, min. dam., minor missing parts, slight traces of abrasion, on metal base
H: 48 cm; B: 42 cm
H: 18.9 inch; B: 16.5 inch
Price: 350 - 600 €
32 Skull of a baleen whale (Mysticeti)
This object is not available any more.
Curiosities
cracks, minor missing parts, traces of weathering, on metal base; the baleen whales, also called whalebone whales or great whales, form the Mysticeti, one of two suborders of the Cetacea (whales, dolphins, and porpoises). They are characterized by having baleen plates for filtering food from water, rather than having teeth. This distinguishes them from the other suborder of cetaceans, the toothed whales or Odontoceti. Living Mysticeti species have teeth only during the embryonal phase. Fossil Mysticeti had teeth before baleen evolved.
H: 190 cm; B: 107 cm
H: 74.8 inch; B: 42.1 inch
Provenance
Private Collection, Southern Germany (1964)
Price: 6500 - 12000 €
33 Lower jaws of a Humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae)
This object is not available any more.
Curiosities
partly discoloured, min. dam., minor missing parts, cracks, on metal base; the humpback whale is a species of baleen whale. One of the larger rorqual species, adults range in length from 12–16 m and weigh approximately 36,000 kg. It has a distinctive body shape, with unusually long pectoral fins and a knobbly head. It is an acrobatic animal, often breaching and slapping the water. Males produce a complex song, which lasts for 10 to 20 minutes and is repeated for hours at a time. The purpose of the song is not yet clear, although it appears to have a role in mating.
L: 278 cm
L: 109.4 inch
Price: 6000 - 12000 €
34 Two skulls of dogs
Curiosities
complete with lower jaw, min. dam., minor missing parts (teeeth), l: 22 cm; additionally a skull of a hyrax (?), min. dam., l: 8 cm
Price: 120 - 250 €
35 Two antlers
This object is not available any more.
Curiosities
of african antelopes (springbok?), min. dam., minor missing parts; these animals are spread relatively evenly throughout the various subfamilies of Bovidae and many are more closely related to cows or goats than to each other. There are various species of antelopes, ranging in size from the tiny Royal Antelope to the ox-like Elands. Antelopes are the second fastest land mammals in the world. They are found in a wide range of habitats, typically woodland, forest, savannahs, grassland plains, and marshes. Several species are adapted to mountains and rocky outcrops, a few to deserts (both hot and cold), and a couple are semi-aquatic and live in swamps.
H: 57,5 cm resp. 58 cm
H: 22.6 inch resp. 22.8 inch
Provenance
Coll. Mann, Leipzig, Germany
Price: 200 - 400 €
36 Horns of an of an Ankole-Watusi
This object is not available any more.
Curiosities
the ends bolt down, min. dam., cracks, missing parts; Ankole-Watusi is a breed of cattle originally native to Africa. It has very large, distinctive horns, which can grow up to 1,8 m. The animal is sometimes known as Ankole or Watusi. Ankole-Watusi have played a pivotal role in the lives of various African tribes – Tutsi, Ankole, Bahima, Bashi, Bakiga, and the Kivu – although the Tutsi are most often associated with the breed. The cattle provided food, currency, and tribal status. Those with the largest and longest horns belonged to the king and were considered sacred.
L: 139 cm
L: 54.7 inch
Provenance
Coll. Mann, Leipzig, Germany
Price: 500 - 1000 €
37 Big moose antlers (Alces alces)
Curiosities
min. dam., on wooden board; male moose's antlers grow as cylindrical beams projecting on each side of the head at right angles to the midline of the skull, and then fork. The lower prong of this fork may be either simple, or divided into two or three tines, with some flattening. The male will drop its antlers after the mating season and conserve energy for the winter. A new set of antlers will then regrow in the spring. Antlers take three to five months to fully develop, making them one of the fastest growing animal organs. They initially have a layer of skin, called "velvet," which is shed once the antlers become fully grown. Immature bulls may not shed their antlers for the winter, but retain them until the following spring.
H: 131 cm; B: 118 cm
H: 51.6 inch; B: 46.5 inch
Price: 1500 - 3000 €
38 Abnormal buffalo horns
This object is not available any more.
Curiosities
slightly asymmetrical horns, pointing to the ground, on base; coming from Sumba, Indonesia. Adult water buffalo range in size from 400 to 900 kg for the domestic breeds, while the wild animals are nearly 3 m long and 2 m tall, weighing up to 1,200 kg, females are about two-thirds this size.
H: 76 cm ; B: 58 cm
H: 29.9 inch ; B: 22.8 inch
Price: 3000 - 6000 €
39 Horn of a hook-lipped rhinoceros(Diceros bicornis)
This object is not available any more.
Curiosities
~ 1,5 kg, min. dam., traces of aging, fissures, minor missing parts; the Black Rhinoceros or Hook-lipped Rhinoceros is a species of rhinoceros, native to the eastern and central areas of Africa including Kenya, Tanzania, Cameroon, South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and Angola. Although the Rhino is referred to as black, it is actually more of a grey/brown/white color in appearance.
L: 33,5 cm
L: 13.2 inch
Provenance
Coll. Prof. Rudolf Jung-Dienethal, Leipzig, Germany
Price: 10000 - 15000 €
40 Horns of a hook-lipped rhinoceros(Diceros bicornis)
This object is not available any more.
Curiosities
~ 3,5 kg, min. dam., traces of aging, fissures, minor missing parts, on wooden board; the Black Rhinoceros or Hook-lipped Rhinoceros is a species of rhinoceros, native to the eastern and central areas of Africa including Kenya, Tanzania, Cameroon, South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and Angola. Although the Rhino is referred to as black, it is actually more of a grey/brown/white color in appearance.
H: 46 cm resp. 19 cm
H: 18.1 inch resp. 7.5 inch
Price: 35000 - 70000 €
41 Bust of White rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum)
This object is not available any more.
Curiosities
plastic material, hollow inside, casting of a large rhinoceros died in a Berlin zoo in the 50's/60's, min. dam., minor missing parts, slight traces of abrasion; the White Rhinoceros or Square-lipped rhinoceros is one of the five species of rhinoceros that still exists. It has a wide mouth used for grazing and is the most social of all rhino species and is the world's largest land mammal after the three species of elephant. A popular theory of the origins of the name "White Rhinoceros" is a mistranslation from Dutch to English. The English word "white" is said to have been derived by mistranslation of the Dutch word "wijd", which means "wide" in English. The word "wide" refers to the width of the rhinoceros' mouth. So early English-speaking settlers in South Africa misinterpreted the "wijd" for "white" and the rhino with the wide mouth ended up being called the White Rhino and the other one, with the narrow pointed mouth, was called the Black Rhinoceros.
H: 106 cm; L: 129 cm
H: 41.7 inch; L: 50.8 inch
Sold.
42 Feline "monster"
This object is not available any more.
Curiosities
a preserved cat without coat, covered with a resin-like mass, in a ducked pose with the mouth wide opened, glass eyes, min. dam., minor missing parts (claws), on wooden base, front inset with marquetry
H: 35 cm
H: 13.8 inch
Provenance
Old English Collection
Price: 3000 - 6000 €
43 Two serval coats (Leptailurus serval)
This object is not available any more.
Curiosities
prepared without head, min. dam., missing parts, tears; the serval is a medium-sized African wild cat. The cat's length is 70 to 100 cm and the shoulder height is about 54 to 62 cm. It is a strong yet slender animal, with long legs and a fairly short tail. The head is small in relation to the body, and the tall, oval ears are set close together. Although the serval is specialized for catching rodents, it is an opportunistic predator whose diet also includes birds, hares, hyraxes, reptiles, insects
L: 57 cm resp. 82 cm
L: 22.4 inch resp. 32.3 inch
Sold.
44 Two aonyx coats
This object is not available any more.
Curiosities
prepared with tail, pads partly missing, min. dam., minor missing parts; aonyx is a genus of otters, containing two species, the African Clawless Otter and the Oriental Small-clawed Otter. The word 'Aonyx' means 'clawless', derived from the prefix 'a-' (not) and 'onyx' (claw/hoof).
L: 106 cm resp. 109 cm
L: 41.7 inch resp. 42.9 inch
Price: 500 - 1000 €
45 Baboon head
This object is not available any more.
Curiosities
preserved, with open mouth, visible teeth and inserted glass eyes, min. dam., traces of abrasion and age, on wooden board; baboons are living almost all over Africa. They are found in the northeast of the continent, Egypt and sudan. In northwestern Africa and Madagascar they are missing.
H: 41 cm
H: 16.1 inch
Sold.
46 Skeleton of a small monkey
This object is not available any more.
Curiosities
preserved standing, min. dam., minor missing parts, on wooden base, under a bell jar
H: 27 cm
H: 10.6 inch
Price: 3000 - 6000 €
47 Coral stone mask
Curiosities
dark brown patina, completely covered with star-shaped pattern, simplified facial features, min. dam., minor missing parts, slight traces of abrasion; presumably coming from Timor, Indonesia.
H: 17,5 cm
H: 6.9 inch
Price: 450 - 900 €
48 Handcuffs
Curiosities
iron, massive, tweo circular rings connected by 11 metal chain links, min. dam., traces of corrosion
L: 60,5 cm
L: 23.8 inch
Price: 200 - 400 €
49 Necklace
Curiosities
fine plant fibre string with seeds, small jaw parts (flying fox?), four small and one big snail shell, presumably Giant African Snails; presumably coming from Papua New Guinea.
L: 32 cm
L: 12.6 inch
Price: 250 - 500 €
50 Two camel foot bells
This object is not available any more.
Curiosities
brass with patina, of half-round form, hollowed and filled with spherical rattle elements, partly open worked, decorated with ornaments, writings and two human faces, min. dam., slight traces of corrosion; coming from the Thar desert in India; since over 3000 years bells are worn by domestic and companion animals. Function, form and material varies within the different cultures. At draught animal like horses and elephants they function as loud warning signals. Above all practical functions also especially beautiful and precious animals were adorned with elaborate bells.
D: 16 cm
D: 6.3 inch
Sold.
51 Small stoup
Curiosities
stone, yellowish patina, decorated with circular ornaments, min. dam., minor missing parts traces of abrasion; a holy water font or stoup is a vessel containing holy water generally placed near the entrance of a church. It is used in Catholic Church and Lutheran churches, as well as some Anglican churches to make the Sign of the Cross using the holy water upon entrance and exit. Holy Water is blessed by a priest, and Catholics believe it can repel evil and cleanse venial sins, although its primary purpose is to remind people of their baptism.
H: 8 cm; D: 13,5 cm, ca. 11th century
H: 3.1 inch; D: 5.3 inch, ca. 11th century
Provenance
French Private Collection, Paris,
Price: 400 - 800 €
52 Capital
Curiosities
light coloured stone, remains of polychrome paint, carved with acanthus, dam., missing part, paint rubbed off; in architecture the capital (from the Latin "caput" =head) forms the topmost member of a column (or pilaster). It mediates between the column and the load thrusting down upon it, broadening the area of the column's supporting surface. The capital, projecting on each side as it rises to support the abacus, joins the usually square abacus and the usually circular shaft of the column.
H: 13 cm
H: 5.1 inch
Price: 200 - 400 €
53 Casket
Curiosities
wood, partly gold-plated, lined with blue fabric, inside 76 letters made from ivory (?), keyhole on the frontside (key missing), min. dam., slight traces of usage; coming from Germany.
H: 8 cm; B: 14 cm, ca. 17th century
H: 3.1 inch; B: 5.5 inch, ca. 17th century
Price: 500 - 1000 €
54 Model of a sled
This object is not available any more.
Curiosities
made from the lower jaw of reindeer (?), wooden seat stretched with animal skin, rep., min. dam.; a dog sled is a sled pulled by one or more sled dogs used to travel over ice and through snow. Numerous types of sleds are used, depending on their function. Dog power has been utilized for hunting and travel for over a thousand years. As far back as the 10th century these dogs have contributed to human culture.
L: 25 cm; H: 16 cm
L: 9.8 inch; H: 6.3 inch
Provenance
collected in Greenland in the 1960's
Sold.
55 Boat model with figure
This object is not available any more.
Curiosities
leather, wood, fabric, slender kayak with a wooden frame, coated by animal skin, seperate half figure with customary clothes, holding a paddle. min. dam., on wooden base; a kayak is a small human-powered boat that traditionally has a covered deck and one or more cockpits, each seating one paddler who strokes a double-bladed paddle. They were originally developed by indigenous Inuit people, who used the boats to hunt on inland lakes, rivers and coastal waters of the Arctic Ocean, North Atlantic, Bering Sea and North Pacific oceans. These first kayaks were constructed from stitched seal or other animal skins stretched over a wood or whalebone-skeleton frame.
L: 63,5 cm, beginning of 20th century
L: 25 inch, beginning of 20th century
Literature
Fitzhugh, William W. & Aron Cromwell, Crossroads of Continents, Baltimore 1988, p. 158 f.
Sold.
56 Snuff container
Curiosities
wood, shiny brown patina, in form of a kangaroo sitting on its hind legs, wooden plug at the back, min. dam., slight traces of usage; when snuff taking was fashionable, the manufacture of snuff accessories was a lucrative industry in several cultures. In Europe, snuff boxes ranged from those made in very basic materials, such as horn, to highly ornate designs featuring precious materials made using state of the art techniques. Since prolonged exposure to air causes snuff to dry out and lose its quality, pocket snuff boxes were designed to be airtight containers with strong hinges.
H: 10 cm, 19th century
H: 3.9 inch, 19th century
Provenance
English Collection, Great Britain
Price: 350 - 600 €
57 Flintlock lighter
Curiosities
metal, designed like a japanese netsuke, of oval, folding form with small eyelet, min. dam., slight traces of corrosion; netsukes are toggle or knob-like items, used for fixing all kind of utensils, like tobacco pouch, wallet, writing implements or medicine jars to the kimono, for the japanese costumes didn't know any pockets. Everything which could not be stored in the roomy sleeves, was stuck into the so-called "obi", a fabric belt around the waist. Therefore the items were attached to silk cords on one end, with a wooden counterpart, the so-called netsuke on the other end. "Ne" means "root wood", "tsuke" implies "to attach something", so "netsuke" in the figurative sense means "root wood for fixing". Naturally this kind of art was finished when the european clothing with pockets was introduced. Around 1900 they were only produced for european collectors. Aside of wood, ivory, horn, laqquer and porcelain every possible material could be used, provided that a handy form could be achieved with it.
L: 4,5 cm, ca. 17th/18th century
L: 1.8 inch, ca. 17th/18th century
Price: 1000 - 2000 €
58 Charivari
Curiosities
consisting of metal chain links and fox teeth, two eyelets, min. dam.; a charivari is a piece of jewelry with gemstones, coins, medals, paws, badger beards, teeth of different animals. Traditionally it is by man in combination with leather trousers. It served as adornment or as lucky charm for successful hunting and prestige symbol for farmers.
L: 25 cm
L: 9.8 inch
Price: 200 - 400 €
59 Silk shoes
This object is not available any more.
Curiosities
pink silk fabric with flower stitcheries, very small, worn bei women with binded feet, rep., traces of usage, minor water spots; foot binding was the custom of binding the feet of young girls painfully tight to prevent further growth. The tiny narrow feet were considered beautiful and to make a woman's movements more feminine and dainty. Although reformers challenged the practice, it was not until the early twentieth century that footbinding generally died out, partly from changing social conditions and partly as a result of anti-footbinding campaigns. Foot-binding resulted in lifelong disabilities for most of its subjects.
L: 15,5 cm, H: 7 cm
L: 6.1 inch, H: 2.8 inch
Price: 450 - 900 €
60 Slip-on heels
This object is not available any more.
Curiosities
pink fabric with elaborate pastel green stitcheries, for the small silk shoes, worn by women with binded feet, min. dam., slight traces of usage
L: 7 cm; H: 6 cm
L: 2.8 inch; H: 2.4 inch
Price: 450 - 900 €
61 Spoon
This object is not available any more.
Philippines - Ifugao
wood, middle brown patina, oval spoon, handle in form of a stylized human figure surmounted by a further small figure, min. dam., slight traces of usage, on base
H: 21,5 cm
H: 8.5 inch
Price: 400 - 800 €
62 Spoon
This object is not available any more.
Philippines - Ifugao
wood, dark brown patina, oval spoon, handle in form of standing human figure, rep. (spoon), traces of usage, on base
H: 19 cm
H: 7.5 inch
Literature
Baradas, David, Land of the Morning, San Francisco 1995, p. 57
Sold.
63 Spoon and fork
This object is not available any more.
Philippines - Ifugao
light brown wood, slightly shiny patina, oval spoon, fork with four teeth, both handles in shape of standing human figures, min. dam.
H: 13,5 cm resp. 16,5 cm
H: 5.3 inch resp. 6.5 inch
Provenance
Old Dutch Collection
Price: 500 - 1000 €
64 Spoon
This object is not available any more.
Philippines - Ifugao
wood, partly shiny brown patina, oval spoon, handle in shape of a standing figure with breast tattoo and necklace, min. dam., crack (spoon), slight traces of usage, on base
H: 26 cm
H: 10.2 inch
Provenance
Raquel Montagut, Barcelona, Spain
Carlos Bassó, Barcelona, Spain
De Lasaletta, Barcelona, Spain
Literature
Newton, Douglas (ed.), Arts of the South Seas, München, London, New York 1999, p. 148, ill. 6
Sold.
65 Five charms
This object is not available any more.
Indonesia
wood, blackish brown patina, 1) Squatting figure with hat, h: 10 cm, eyelet for support, old collection number in white paint on the underside: "3105/04", cracks, paint rubbed of, block-like base; 2) sitting figure with entangled legs, h: 7 cm, minor missing part, paint rubbed off, old collection number backside: "TH 906", round base; 3) Figure with legs tucked up, h: 9 cm, elaborate carved, old collection nunber backside: TH 004", on base; 4) Figural carved stopper/handle, h: 13 cm, kaolin, brass ring, old collection number "TH 1287", on base; 5) Figural pendant, b: 5 cm, old collection number: "TH 908"
Provenance
1) Monika Edelmaier, Berlin, Germany
2) 3) 4) and 5) Museum Groningen, The Netherlands
Price: 2500 - 5000 €
66 Coconut scraper
This object is not available any more.
Indonesia
wood, reddish and greyish brown patina, stool in stylized animal form, parallel flanks in ornamental openwork design, elegant curved tail, useful as handle, traces of usage (from cutting), old age and weathering, cracks, missing parts; tool: the head is provided with an iron rasper for the production of coconut fibre, bestriding the stool one could easily scrape the coconut pulp.
L: 61 cm
L: 24 inch
Provenance
Jürgen Funke, Amstetten, Austria
Price: 5000 - 10000 €
67 Two calabash stopper
This object is not available any more.
Indonesia - Borneo, Dayak
wood, each of them coated with a thick layer of black encrusted patina, both in shape of a sitting figure, the bigger stopper (h: 18 cm) with an extremely broad figure, holding an item between the feet, mounted on cubic pedestal; the smaller figure shows a static posture (h: 13 cm), slightly dam., minor missing parts; presumably for closing medicine or lime containers. Both figures show chinese influence.
Provenance
Bodes en Bode, The Hague, The Netherlands
Literature
Art de l' Asie du Sud-Est, Á la galerie Schoffel Valluet, Paris 2010, ill. 108 f.
Price: 450 - 900 €
68 Staff "tun tun"
This object is not available any more.
Indonesia - Borneo, Dayak
wood, dark brown patina, crowned by a squatting figure with tucked up legs, both hands supporting the chin, min. dam., on base; probably a charm used for hunting wild pigs.
H: 50,5 cm
H: 19.9 inch
Literature
Stöhr, W., Art of the archaic Indonesians, Genf o.J., p. 107
Price: 600 - 1200 €
69 Shield "kliau"
This object is not available any more.
Indonesia - Borneo, Dayak
"jelutong" wood, shield and grip carved from a single piece, on both sides painted in black, red and white, strengthened with rattan strips, to prevent splitting when struck by a sword, old collection label "24", slightly dam., paint rubbed off; wood shields were used for protection in warfare, on headhunting raids, or ceremonial display. The spiritually charged "monster" figure painted on the front is meant to instill fear in the enemy.
H: 132 cm
H: 52 inch
Provenance
French Collection
Literature
Van Zonneveld, A.G., Traditional weapons of the Indonesian Archipelago, Leiden 2001, p. 73
Johnson, Mark, Art Borneo, Marina del Rey 2008, p. 50
Sold.
70 Bracelet
This object is not available any more.
Indonesia - Flores
ivory, slightly shiny patina, of circular closed form, one side flattened with four circular drillings, min. dam., fissures through age, on metal base; deriving from a pygmy elephant.
D: 10 cm
D: 3.9 inch
Provenance
collected in situ 1980's
Price: 1000 - 2000 €
71 Parrying shield
Indonesien - Molukken
wood, middle brown patina, carved with ornamental decor in flat relief, the raised parts dyed blackish brown, while the deepenings are whitened with kaolin, round emblem in the centre, reinforced with rattan which is fixed by small wooden plugs, carved with a massive handle on the back, old collection label "6989", slightly dam., minor missing parts, paint rubbed off, on metal base
H: 71 cm
H: 28 inch
Literature
Newton, Douglas (ed.), Arts of the South Seas, München, London, New York 1999, p. 141
Price: 1200 - 2000 €
72 Sword "balato"
This object is not available any more.
Indonesia - Nias
metal wood, elaborate wooden hilt "lasara", wooden scabbard decorated with metal sheet and attachment in form of a wooden bowl filled with rattan, animal claws and -teeth, min. dam., slight traces of usage; "lasara" is a mythical figure linked to the god of death and darkness. In the south of Nias it takes the shape of a fanciful head with teeth of a wild bear, the mouth of a crocodile or snake, crowned by a calao helmet and the antlers of a deer.
L: 74,5 cm
L: 29.3 inch
Literature
van Zonneveld, A.G., Traditional weapons of the Indonesian Archipelago, Leiden 2001, p. 29
Price: 1200 - 2000 €
73 Standing ancestor figure "adu zatua"
This object is not available any more.
Indonesia - Nias
wood, shiny blackish brown patina, a high towering crown-shaped head ornament with coiled fern motifs "ni 'o wöli wöli" and hanging earring, min. dam., slight traces of abrasion; the people of Nias believe that the spirits of the dead possess supernatural power and are able to influence the living in a positive or negative way. By venerating "adu zatua", wooden images carved in their likeness, they try to appease the spirits and keep them well-disposed.
H: 38 cm
H: 15 inch
Provenance
Gallery d'Eendt, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Sold.
74 Bowl in in shape of a goblet
This object is not available any more.
Indonesia - Sulawesi, Toraja
wood, reddish brown shiny patina with traces of black paint, disc-shaped foot with grooved decor, drilled holes for support, matt patina inside the goblet
H: 24 cm
H: 9.4 inch
Price: 1000 - 2000 €
75 Mask
Indonesia - Sumatra, Batak
wood, middle brown patina, brows and moustache accentuated in dark brown, head and chin flattened, slightly dam., minor missing parts, paint rubbed off; presumably used for funeral celebrations.
H: 25 cm
H: 9.8 inch
Price: 1000 - 2000 €
76 Two miniature heads "singa"as trimming
This object is not available any more.
Indonesia - Sumatra, Batak
of a fur bag and as support for the loop in shape of a brass chain with leather shoulder strap, slightly dam., leather torn
H: 5 cm ("singa"-Kopf)
H: 2 inch ("singa"-Kopf)
Provenance
Old Dutch Collection
Literature
Sibeth, Achim, Batak, Kunst aus Sumatra, Frankfurt am Main 2000, p. 172, ill. 230
Price: 500 - 1000 €
77 Bullet retainer "baba ni onggang"
This object is not available any more.
Indonesia - Sumatra, Batak
wood, blackish brown patina, of curved form with slits on either side, carved with an anthropomorphic face and elaborate decoration, min. dam., slight traces of abrasion, on base; for keeping the bullets needed for hunting and in case of war. In shape of a hornbill beak. With two fingers on both sides of the "beak" the bullets could easily be pulled out.
H: 19 cm
H: 7.5 inch
Literature
Sibeth, Achim, Mit den Ahnen leben, Stuttgart 1990, p. 161 f.
Price: 700 - 1500 €
78 Protective spirit "pangulubalang"
This object is not available any more.
Indonesia - Sumatra, Batak
wood, encrusted blackish brown patina, overlarge head, elongated upper part of the body with cavity for insertion of magical mass, short legs, ornamental ears, slightly dam., minor missing parts, cracks, traces of weathering at the bottom, mounted on pedestal; the wooden plugs in the figures flank served for attachment of clappers, which were used to alert the village community by beating against the levitating figure. For present figure represents a defensive or alarm figure, which was suspended headfirst from the roof gables or somewhere inside the house. The opening in the breast area served the "datu" for inserting the magical mass "pupuk", which enlivened the figure and first made it a "pangulubalang", a protective figure.
H: 78 cm
H: 30.7 inch
Provenance
Jean Jacques Porchez, Paris, France
Aguttes, Arts Primitifs Arts d 'Asie, Vendredi 17 Avril 2009, Drouot Richelieu, lot 53
Literature
Sibeth, Achim, Batak, Kunst aus Sumatra, Frankfurt am Main 2000, p. 85 f.
Sibeth, Achim, Mit den Ahnen leben, Stuttgart 1990, ill. 159
Price: 6000 - 12000 €
79 Face mask
This object is not available any more.
Indonesia - Timor
light-weighted wood, dark brown patina, concave vaulted facial plane with the facial features concentrated on a rather small area, the eyes arranged close to each other, nose with hanging tip, a tapering strong chin, slightly dam., minor missing parts, acrylic base
H: 24 cm
H: 9.4 inch
Price: 1200 - 2000 €
80 Mask
This object is not available any more.
Nepal
wood, blackish brown patina, indigo blue pigment, unusual ornamental arranged facial features: round eyes, arranged close to each other, with sickle-shaped slits, crown-shaped headdress, radial arranged wrinkles in the corners of the mouth, slightly dam., missing parts backside
H: 43,5 cm
H: 17.1 inch
Sold.
81 Two masks
Nepal
wood, painted in black, nearly naturalistic modelled facial features with accentuated cheek bones and slanting eyes, small remains of a moustache of real hair, fixed by blackish mass, leather strap, slightly dam., missing parts at the back of the rim; additional: a mask from Mongolia, carved of heavy wood with remains of black paint, showing asiatic facial features in flat and stylized forms, a deepening filled with kaolin on the middle of the forehead, slightly dam., cracks, traces of cuts
H: 23,5 cm resp. 26,5 cm
H: 9.3 inch resp. 10.4 inch
Provenance
German Private Collection, Speyer
Price: 500 - 1000 €
82 Votive offering
This object is not available any more.
Nepal
wood, brown patina, remains of polychrome paint, habile staff, carved with an anthropomorphic head with a grotesque skull face, crowned by a big lancet-shaped superstructure, an emblem in flat relief on the front, characters on the back, slightly dam., paint rubbed off, on metal base
H: 37,5 cm
H: 14.8 inch
Sold.
83 Anthropomorphic face mask "clown"
This object is not available any more.
India, Arunachal Pradesh
wood, blackish brown patina, red paint, accentuated corners of the mouth, ears and the wrinkles arranged ornamentall arranged, slightly dam., minor missing parts backside, on base
H: 23 cm
H: 9.1 inch
Provenance
Pace Gallery, New York, USA (Inventory No. 61-0016)
Literature
Chazot, Eric, Masks of the Himalayas, New York 1990, p. 27
Sold.
84 Anthropomorphic face mask
This object is not available any more.
India, Arunachal Pradesh, Monpa
wood, blackish brown patina, small traces of red pigment, elongated face with accentuated cheekbones and a large teeth-revealing mouth, the pierced eyes arranged ornamental with curved brows and accentuated tear sacs, flat head with zigzag-shaped hairline, slightly dam., crack (cheek), on metal base
H: 32 cm
H: 12.6 inch
Sold.
85 Standing male figure
India, Naga
wood, shiny, reddish brown patina, blackened in parts, carved with a loincloth, raised right arm, regular facial features, bun-like coiffure on the back, min. dam., cracks, minor missing parts, slight traces of abrasion; the term Naga refers to a conglomeration of many tribes inhabiting the North Eastern part of India and north-western Burma. The tribes have similar cultures and traditions, and form the majority ethnic group in the Indian state of Nagaland. There are 15 officially recognized tribes in the Nagaland state of India. The other Naga tribes can be found in the contiguous adjoining states of Manipur, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and across the border in Burma.
H: 40 cm
H: 15.7 inch
Price: 5000 - 10000 €
86 Ceremonial knife "dao"
This object is not available any more.
India, Naga
oval wooden shaft, in some areas coated with rattan and orchid stem in yellow and red, tufts of goats hair on top, a massive broad iron blade, min. dam.
L: 77 cm
L: 30.3 inch
Price: 700 - 1400 €
87 Ceremonial knife "dao"
This object is not available any more.
India, Naga
wooden shaft with rattan cuff, coated with black paint, the upper end decorated with bunches of goats hair dyed in red and brown, a broad iron blade, fixed with an iron clip, slightly dam., paint rubbed off; a warrior's attire was not complete without his weapons such as a spear, knife "dao" and shield. Those designed in simpler form were used in combat, the more elaborate ones as ornamental weapons during festivals and ritual occasions.
L: 80,5 cm
L: 31.7 inch
Literature
Oppitz, Michael, Naga Identities, Antwerpen 2008, ill. p. 81
Price: 900 - 1800 €
88 Ceremonial knife "dao"
India, Naga
wooden shaft with encrusted black patina, the upper part decorated with bunches of goats hair dyed in red and black, a broad iron blade, fixed with an iron clip and rattan, slightly dam., paint rubbed off
L: 83 cm
L: 32.7 inch
Literature
Oppitz, Michael, Naga Identities, Antwerpen 2008, ill. p. 81
Price: 500 - 800 €
89 Ceremonial knife "dao" in wooden sheath
This object is not available any more.
India, Naga
wood, dyed red, iron, silver sheet, flat sheath, a broad cuff of plaited rattan straps for the inserted "dao", wooden handle with elaborate decor and bone knob, loop for support, slightly dam., paint rubbed off; the "dao" is both a cutting tool and a weapon and is ever present in Naga life. They need it to clear the forest, to build new dwellings or to kill and divide the animals, to make tools or to face the various daily needs.
L: 87,5 cm
L: 34.4 inch
Literature
Somaré Grata, Vigorelli, Leonardo, The Nagas, Bergamo 1992, p. 28
Price: 750 - 1500 €
90 Two ceremonial spears
This object is not available any more.
India, Naga
commonly made of wood from the sagu palm tree "caryota urens", wooden shaft, round in cross section, lozenge-shaped iron spear points, the spears adorned with short red and black goat's hair and fixed to the pole by winding cattle's hair around it, slightly dam., one tip broken; such spears belong to the group of ceremonial insignia which underline the warrior's status and can be displayed by anyone who has complied with the pertaining social requirements, such as taking a head, burning an enemy's village or simply having acquired the right to adorn oneself from the elders.
L: 230 cm, 220 cm
L: 90.6 inch, 86.6 inch
Provenance
Old Dutch Collection
Literature
Somaré Grata, Vigorelli, Leonardo, The Nagas, Bergamo 1992, p. 27
Sold.
91 Warrior's ceremonial headdress
This object is not available any more.
India, Naga
of typical form without any adornment, the conical base coated with a fine plant fibre netting, dyed red, yellow orchid stem forming geometrical patterns, slightly dam.
H: 24,5 cm
H: 9.6 inch
Price: 450 - 900 €
92 Warrior's ceremonial headdress
This object is not available any more.
India, Naga
of conical form, made of plaited bamboo, painted red, decorated with wild goat's hair and yellow orchid stem, a pair of boar tusks backside, inserted wooden splinters with tufts of hair on top, hornbill feather; written sources reveal that before the Pax Britannica the Nagas used heavy war helmets made of bamboo which actually functioned as a means of defence. The English later discouraged the incessant tribal feuds which led to the substitution of these heavy helmets with lighter ones like the present one. These headdresses, whose sole objective is to convey the idea of combat readiness and pride in warfare, are worn only on ceremonial occasions.
H: 23 cm
H: 9.1 inch
Literature
Somaré Grata, Vigorelli, Leonardo, The Nagas, Bergamo 1992, p. 32 f.
Sold.
93 Warrior's ceremonial headdress
This object is not available any more.
India, Naga
conical bonnet in two layers, the surface coated with a fine plant fibre netting, dyed in red, yellow orchid stem forming linear ornaments, decorated with goats hair and two boar tusks; the hornbill feather is a symbol of beauty and strength: in fact, this mythical king of the birds with its long feathers and its powerful beak possesses these two qualities which always must go together and be related harmoniously in Naga set of values. The boar tusks are symbols for courage and power.
H: 24 cm
H: 9.4 inch
Literature
Somaré Grata, Vigorelli, Leonardo, The Nagas, Bergamo 1992, p. 32 f.
Sold.
94 Anthropomorphic face mask
This object is not available any more.
Bhutan
light-weighted wood, painted in black, white pigment accents, a wide open mouth with visible teeth, small tufts of real hair attached with blackish mass, the face entirely coated with ornamental arranged wrinkles, disc-shaped beard, slightly dam., missing parts through insect caused damage, rep. (chin area)
H: 26 cm
H: 10.2 inch
Provenance
French Collection
Sold.
95 Face mask "joker"
This object is not available any more.
Bhutan
wood, reddish brown patina, traces of red and black paint, anthropomorphic "laughing" facial features, ornamental laugh lines, elongated flat ears, slightly dam., hairline cracks, on base; in Himalayan masking tradition a multitude of clowns and baffoons is always found in addition to subjects from the conventional pantheon. These masks teach as well as make the audience laugh by practicing a type of self-criticism, causing those who watch to reflect upon their own lives.
H: 24 cm
H: 9.4 inch
Provenance
Pace Gallery, New York, USA (Inventory No. 61-0086)
Literature
Chazot, Eric, Masks of the Himalayas, New York 1990, p. 18
Sold.
96 Sword
This object is not available any more.
Japan
wood, shiny brown patina, wooden sheath, partly stud with silver sheet, handle in shape of an indonesian "keris", min. dam., slight traces of abrasion and corrosion (blade); "keris" is a dagger found over a large part of the indonesian archipelago with an almost endless variety of blades, hilts, scabbards and decoration.
L: 63,5 cm
L: 25 inch
Price: 900 - 1800 €
97 Ancestral effigy "korvar" with shield
This object is not available any more.
Western Papua - Irian Jaya, Kepala Burung, Doreh Bay
wood, spotty brown patina, stylized male figure with large head, typically holding a shield in front of the body, slightly dam., paint rubbed off, breakage (right wrist); "korvar" is the name used to describe the art of the geographical and cultural area of Kepala Burung, formerly called Vogelkop Peninsula, in north-west Irian Jaya. The name is taken not from a cultural group but from a specific type of sculpture, which are figurative representations of an ancestor. At death an effigy is carved as a repository for the soul of the deceased. "Korvar" provide the link between the worlds of the dead and the living. As in most Oceanic cultures, the ancestor is consulted for advice and help in all major matters.
H: 29 cm
H: 11.4 inch
Provenance
Jan van der Hoeven
Literature
Meyer, Anthony J.P., Ozeanische Kunst, Vol. I, Köln 1995, p. 55 f.
Sold.
98 Female ancestor figure "kawe"
Papua New Guinea, Asmat
wood, reddish brown patina, traces of dark brown and kaolin, stylized form, a flat body with ornamental arranged arms, decorated with notched and incised ornaments, slightly dam., minor missing parts, cracks, old collection number in white paint on the underside of the right foot "112"
H: 54 cm
H: 21.3 inch
Literature
Meyer, Anthony J.P., Ozeanische Kunst, Vol. I, Köln 1995, p. 82, ill. 62
Price: 450 - 900 €
99 Standing ancestor figure "kawe"
Papua New Guinea, Asmat
wood, matt patina, polychrome paint, a flat body, eyes and teeth accentuated by paint, rep. (back), fissures, slight traces of abrasion, on metal base; such figures are carved for the building of a new Men's House and are left to decay after the inauguration ceremonies. They represent the first humans, or "asmat". In the Creation myth, a great cultural heroe "fumeripit" carved many large human figures. As he began to play his drum, the figures came to life as the original people and formed the first clans.
H: 57,5 cm
H: 22.6 inch
Price: 1500 - 3000 €
100 Ancestor skull "ndambirkus"
This object is not available any more.
Papua New Guinea, Asmat
human skull, partly brown patina, the lower jawbone tightly attached to the skull by a woven rattan band, the eye-sockets filled with beeswax, inserted with the grey seeds of Job's-tear grass and the red seeds of the crab's eye vine, the nose embellished with a head-hunter's "bipane", a spiral shell nose-ornament, earrings with feather tassels, headband with coix-seeds and cassowary feathers, good condition; the basic themes of Asmat culture are head-hunting and ancestor worshipping. Their ceremonial life is chiefly aimed at appeasing the spirits of the dead, which is why skulls of treasured ancestors "ndambirkus" were such elaborately embellished like the present one. The importance of captured heads in traditional Asmat life is clearly demonstrated by the role they played in male initiation. It was impossible for boys to become men without taking a head. A man's vital strength is said to be particularly present in the skull, and the life force of another provided the energy necessary for a boy to make the jump to manhood.
L: 21 cm
L: 8.3 inch
Provenance
Coll. Dr. Weiglein, Frankfurt am Main, Germany (coll. in situ 1960-71)
Literature
Smidt, Dirk, Asmat Art, Leiden 1993, p. 21
Sold.
101 Ancestort skull "ndambirkus"
This object is not available any more.
Papua New Guinea, Asmat
human skull, honey brown patina, the lower jawbone tightly attached to the skull with cord material, the eye-sockets filled with beeswax, with grey seeds of Job's-tear grass ("Coix lacryma-jobi") and red seeds of the crab's eye vine ("Abrus precatorius") impressed, the nose modelled with a blackish resin-like mass, cymbium shell cut in shape of a nose ornament "bipane", head band of cord and coix seeds, with tassels of feathers from the white cockatoo attached, good condition; just like normal household articles in Asmat culture human skulls were part of everyday life. The skull of a treasured ancestor was treated with outmost respect, it was dressed in a ceremonial manner and kept in a secure place. Sometimes it was attached to cord and worn around the neck. The men used to carry the skulls around with them in order to keep in contact with the ancestors. When sleeping they used the ancestor skulls as head rest. The skulls of enemies, called "ndaokus" were kept in the mens house. They always show a hole in the side of the skull where the brains were taken out to be eaten. The lower jawbone was always separated from the skull and given to the women to wear as a necklace, which was regarded as the ultimate insult.
L: ca. 23 cm
L: ca. 9.1 inch
Provenance
Private Collection, Austria (1960)
Sold.
102 War shield
This object is not available any more.
Papua New Guinea, Asmat
mangrove wood, black, white and red pigment, decorated with emblematic motifs, repeated four times, contoured by raised ridges, the backside carved with a massive handle, slightly dam., minor missing parts, cracks, paint rubbed off in some areas; aside of their protective function the shields have magical attributes, which elevate them to the rank of a ceremonial object.
H: 184 cm
H: 72.4 inch
Provenance
Gallery D. Fahrenhorst, Hameln, Germany
Sold.
103 War shield
This object is not available any more.
Papua New Guinea - Eastern Highlands
wood, greyish brown patina, of rectangular, slightly vaulted form, the upper end coated with bark, which was fixed by rattan and cord material, mythical signs in white pigment, fine incised and dotted ornaments in some places, two drilled holes, which originally served for fixing the handle on the back, small bag of net-like plant fibre weave backside, slightly dam., paint rubbed off, on metal base; the cut marks on this shield prove it to be once used as defensive weapon. Very old and rare object !
H: 132 cm
H: 52 inch
Provenance
Serge Trully, Cannes, France
Literature
H. Beran, B. Craig (ed.), Shields of Melanesia, Honolulu 2005, p. 148, ill. 5.34
Price: 10000 - 20000 €
104 Stone axe
This object is not available any more.
Papua New Guinea - Highlands, Mendi
wooden shaft, a sharpened and polished stone blade, oval in cross-section, affixed by rattan which is tightly wrapped around, an artificially plaited plant fibre cuff for decoration and additional fixing, min. dam., fissures, slight traces of usage
L: 53 cm
L: 20.9 inch
Literature
Aumann, Georg, Kunst und Kunsthandwerk aus Neu Guinea, Coburg 1986, p. 148 f.
Sold.
105 Large food bowl
This object is not available any more.
Papua New Guinea - Huon Gulf, Tami Islands
wood, blackish brown patina, lancet-shaped, handles in shape of anthropomorphic beings, snake motif, rep.; the Huon gulf is part of a vast trade network known as the Vitiaz Strait Trade System, involving long canoe trips through the area for the purpose of commerce: clay pots produced in the Markham Valley go to New Britain, obsidian from New Britain goes to Siassi Island and wooden bowls from the Tami Islands are distributed throughout the coastal areas.
L: 73 cm; H: 14 cm
L: 28.7 inch; H: 5.5 inch
Provenance
Dutch Private Collection
Literature
Meyer, Anthony J.P., Ozeanische Kunst, Vol. I, Köln 1995, p. 159 f.
Sold.
106 Figural carved mortar
Papua New Guinea - Huon Gulf
wood, painted in black, accents in kaolin, a stylized female ancestor figure supporting a cylindrical mortar, entirely painted in black, decisive details and the fine zigzag scarifications on the back accentuated by kaolin, slightly dam., minor missing parts (mortar rim), on base
H: 21 cm
H: 8.3 inch
Provenance
Collected in situ by Robert McKee, Patrol Officer in New Guinea from 1932 to 1939 and then Coast Watcher for the Australian Military during World War II.
Kevin Conru, London, Great Britain
Price: 3500 - 6000 €
107 Figural carved mortar
Papua New Guinea - Huon Gulf
wood, stylized male ancestor figure and cylidrical mortar entirely painted in black, elaborate decorated with delicate ornaments, accentuated by kaolin, which was rubbed into the deepenings, on base; the master-carvers of the Huon Golf are justly famous for their beautiful art works.
H: 25 cm
H: 9.8 inch
Provenance
Collected in situ by Robert McKee
Kevin Conru, London, Great Britain
Price: 6000 - 12000 €
108 War and hunting deity "yipwon"
This object is not available any more.
Papua New Guinea - Korewori
wood, brown patina, small board-like flattened figure showing a stylized anthropomorphic being in profile, min. dam., cracks, minor missing parts, on base; small "yipwon" belonged to individuals and were used as personal charms.
H: 39 cm
H: 15.4 inch
Literature
Meyer, Anthony J.P., Ozeanische Kunst, Vol. I, Köln 1995, p. 234
Sold.
109 Ornament and currency ring "pal yua"
This object is not available any more.
Papua New Guinea - Maprik
shell, of flat and oval form with a circular piercing in the centre, on metal base; such rings were used as primitive money but men used to wear them during ritual dances as well. Sometimes they were given to young girls who were about to marry. They fixed the rings to special bags used to be worn with a headband, and thus made them an important part of their festive costume. They were used for decoration of the big yams root as well.
D: 25 cm; D: 7,5 cm (inside)
D: 9.8 inch; D: 3 inch (inside)
Literature
Aumann, Georg, Kunst und Kunsthandwerk aus Neu Guinea, Coburg 1986, ill. 339
Price: 800 - 1600 €
110 Anthropomorphic initiation figure
This object is not available any more.
Papua New Guinea, Mimika
light-weighted wood (of a mangrove-like tree), white pigment remains, abstract form, the head with beak-like snout and high-towering pointed tip, min. dam., cracks, slight traces of abrasion, on base; probably depicting a pregnant woman. The Kamoro or Mimika live at the southern coast of West-Papua New Guinea. Their tribal name literally means "living" and "true people", whereby they want to confine against the dead, plants, spirits and animals. They are especially known for their "yamate" ceremonial boards of recently deceased ancestors, as well as for their big spirit poles "mbitoro". Figures are quite rare !
H: 54 cm
H: 21.3 inch
Provenance
Dutch Private Collection
Literature
Smidt, Dirk (ed.), Kamoro Art, Amsterdam 2003, p. 132
Price: 500 - 1000 €
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