An Iatmul Pigment Bowl (mpat) Middle Sepik River Region, Papua New Guinea, c. 1880s In form of a crocodile, with tapering tail and head, body carved as flat oval hollowed bowl, decorated around rim and tail with deeply incised motif of crescents interspersed with raised nub. Small white shell inlay at eyes. Most likely carved with stone tools. With dark brown patina from extensive native handling, red ochre in the recessed areas. In excellent condition, an area inside the bowl scraped. Pigment bowls (mpat) in the form of crocodiles were unique to the Iatmul. The crocodile symbolizes the strength and power of the ancient creator ancestor. Provenance: Private Collection, New York Acquired by the current collection in 1996 Lance Entwistle, London Sotheby's New York, May 8, 1996 (lot 24) Private French Collection Charles Ratton, Paris Length: 7 ½ inches HID03101062020 © 2020 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved

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