PNG Bosmun Wood Figural Paddle Finial
PNG Bosmun Wood Figural Paddle Finial
PNG Bosmun Wood Figural Paddle Finial
PNG Bosmun Wood Figural Paddle Finial
PNG Bosmun Wood Figural Paddle Finial
PNG Bosmun Wood Figural Paddle Finial
PNG Bosmun Wood Figural Paddle Finial
PNG Bosmun Wood Figural Paddle Finial
PNG Bosmun Wood Figural Paddle Finial
PNG Bosmun Wood Figural Paddle Finial
PNG Bosmun Wood Figural Paddle Finial
PNG Bosmun Wood Figural Paddle Finial
PNG Bosmun Wood Figural Paddle Finial
PNG Bosmun Wood Figural Paddle Finial
PNG Bosmun Wood Figural Paddle Finial
PNG Bosmun Wood Figural Paddle Finial PNG Bosmun Wood Figural Paddle Finial PNG Bosmun Wood Figural Paddle Finial PNG Bosmun Wood Figural Paddle Finial PNG Bosmun Wood Figural Paddle Finial PNG Bosmun Wood Figural Paddle Finial PNG Bosmun Wood Figural Paddle Finial

PNG Bosmun Wood Figural Paddle Finial

17671

$1,495.00
/
Shipping calculated at checkout.

This site is protected by hCaptcha and the hCaptcha Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Madang Province, Papua New Guinea, 20th Century AD

This finely carved hardwood finial once crowned a canoe paddle from the Lower Ramu River region of Madang Province, an area of extraordinary linguistic and cultural diversity along the northern coast of mainland Papua New Guinea. The sculpture renders an ancestor figure in a style closely tied to the spirit and ancestor imagery that dominates Lower Sepik and Ramu art, where such carvings were believed to bring protection and good fortune to the paddler and his canoe. 

The figure stands with hands at sides and a powerfully modeled face distinguished by a long, projecting nose—an attribute associated in this region with spirit masks rather than ordinary ancestors, suggesting the work depicts an ancestor wearing a spirit mask. The tall, conical ringed head represents an early 20th-century men's hairstyle, in which the hair was drawn up through a decorated cap, while the incised chevron and band motifs across the shoulders, chest, and lower shaft evoke initiation and body markings. The rich, glossy honey-brown patina and smooth handling wear attest to genuine age and indigenous use. 

Size: 10-3/4 inches (27.3 cm) high, plus custom base  Condition: Very good, with stable surface wear, minor age cracks, and a fine deep patina consistent with age and use.

Provenance: Collection of Jerry Zimler (1954–1989), a clinical psychologist of New York, NY, whose practice focused primarily on work with disturbed children.


All pieces are unconditionally guaranteed authentic and as described in perpetuity and have been legally acquired and imported in full accordance with U.S. and applicable foreign regulations regarding the movement and sale of antiquities.

A signed guarantee of authenticity with a description and photograph of the item(s) accompanies this object.

We ship Tuesday to Friday with UPS or USPS and usually same day if your order is received before 2pm. Depending on size and destination, delivery times range from one to five business days.

For overseas shipments our shipping charge includes packing, preparation of all customs paperwork, insurance and carrier fees in compliance with all USA and International customs requirements.

Overseas shipments are usually sent by courier but contact us if you have a shipping preference. International customers are responsible for all duties and taxes. 

You may also like

Recently viewed

Back to Recent Acquisitions