**Originally Listed At $200**

Papua New Guinea, Washkuk region, Kwoma people, ca. mid 20th century CE. A hand-built pottery head with openwork eye holes and mouth, a pronounced nose and pierced ears - all in red and black pigment. Papua New Guinea is an amazingly culturally diverse area, with people residing in each hilly area and river valley producing interesting and unique artwork. The region around the Washkuk Hills, north of the Upper Sepik River and populated by the Kwoma, Nukuma, and Yasyin-Mayo peoples, is no exception. They are famous for pottery and wood heads used in ceremonies honoring the spirits who are responsible for the growth and welfare of the community, especially those involved in the production of their primary crop, yams. Size: 6.625" L x 6.5" W x 8.25" H (16.8 cm x 16.5 cm x 21 cm)

Provenance: private collection of the late Peter Arnovick, San Francisco, California, USA

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.

#123016

Losses to right side as shown. Surface wear with abraded areas commensurate with age.