20th C. Papua New Guinea Abelam Fiber & Tusk Headdress
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Description
**Originally Listed At $400**
Oceania, Papua New Guinea, North Maprik District, Abelam people, ca. early to mid 20th century CE. An intriguing headdress comprised of braided fibrous strands which depict an abstract anthropomorphic face. The strange countenance boasts a tall nose which gradually tapers and curls underneath, a pair of cowrie shell eyes, several large tufts of cassowary feathers, and a pair of curved boar tusks projecting from the top. Strands on the obverse face are embellished with red and blue-grey pigment to complement their natural beige hue, and additional cowrie shells line the wider interior areas of the attachment straps. Headdresses like this example were typically worn during dance festivals or special ceremonies. Display head for photography purposes only. Size (w/ straps): 31" W x 6.875" H (78.7 cm x 17.5 cm).
Provenance: private southern California, USA collection, acquired in the 1970s to mid-1980s
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most Antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.
#147045
Oceania, Papua New Guinea, North Maprik District, Abelam people, ca. early to mid 20th century CE. An intriguing headdress comprised of braided fibrous strands which depict an abstract anthropomorphic face. The strange countenance boasts a tall nose which gradually tapers and curls underneath, a pair of cowrie shell eyes, several large tufts of cassowary feathers, and a pair of curved boar tusks projecting from the top. Strands on the obverse face are embellished with red and blue-grey pigment to complement their natural beige hue, and additional cowrie shells line the wider interior areas of the attachment straps. Headdresses like this example were typically worn during dance festivals or special ceremonies. Display head for photography purposes only. Size (w/ straps): 31" W x 6.875" H (78.7 cm x 17.5 cm).
Provenance: private southern California, USA collection, acquired in the 1970s to mid-1980s
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most Antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.
#147045
Condition
One cowrie shell missing along attachment straps. Light loosening to woven strands, with fading to original red and black pigmentation, and minor nicks to boar tusks, otherwise intact and very good. Light earthen deposits throughout.
Buyer's Premium
- 24.5%
20th C. Papua New Guinea Abelam Fiber & Tusk Headdress
Estimate $400 - $600
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