Lot 0108J

Early 20th C Papua New Guinea Wood Skeletal Trophy Head

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Early 20th C Papua New Guinea Wood Skeletal Trophy Head

Item Details

Description

Oceania, Papua New Guinea, ca. early 20th century CE. A large, hand-carved wooden skull - replete with large eye orbitals, a deep nasal cavity, and a gaping toothy grin. In the past, headhunting was a common religious practice throughout the Papuan Gulf, and was believed to honor the spirits (imunu) whose powers were thought to sustain the community. Perhaps this "trophy head" is a reference to such practices and beliefs. Size: 11.75" L x 7.25" W x 12.5" H (29.8 cm x 18.4 cm x 31.8 cm)

Provenance: ex-private Tucson, Arizona, USA collection; ex-Ron Perry collection; Ron Perry collected art and artifacts for more than 40 years in New Guinea and the South Pacific. He collaborated with Carolyn Leigh to write a book entitled, "Art Dealer in the Last Unknown: Ron Perry & New Guinea Art: the early years 1964-1972" (2011).

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#129989

Condition

Normal surface wear commensurate with age. Areas of earthen encrustation. Nice areas of lustrous age patina.

Buyer's Premium

24.5%

Early 20th C Papua New Guinea Wood Skeletal Trophy Head

Name: Early 20th C Papua New Guinea Wood Skeletal Trophy Head
SKU: 58824171
Price: 350 USD
Availability: InStock

Estimate $400 - $600

See Sold Price

Starting Price $250

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