Oceania, Papua New Guinea, Jiwaka Province, Wahgi people, ca. early 20th century CE. A grey-green slate axe set into a wooden cavity that extends outward, mirroring the blade shape at one end, and providing a counterweight to the heavy blade. The wood is wrapped in woven binding made from dried vines, most of them pale in color, with darker weave forming geometric patterns on the woven surface. A narrow, cylindrical wood handle at a ninety degree angle to the axe head provides a hand hold. The stone for this axe was probably quarried in the Manginbor area, and axes like this one are made mainly in the villages of Mangarvigar and Gumbigai. Size: 28" W x 24.75" H (71.1 cm x 62.9 cm)

See a very similar example at the Art Gallery of New South Wales: https://www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au/collection/works/311.1978/

Provenance: private, Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA collection

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.

We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#126625

Lucite prop not included. Axe head has been reattached. Edge of blade has small losses. Wicker and wood handle have slight patina and signs of wear on surface from age and handling.