{"product_id":"png-bosmun-wood-figural-paddle-finial","title":"PNG Bosmun Wood Figural Paddle Finial","description":"\u003cp class=\"my-2 [\u0026amp;+p]:mt-4 [\u0026amp;_strong:has(+br)]:inline-block [\u0026amp;_strong:has(+br)]:align-top\"\u003eMadang Province, Papua New Guinea, 20th Century AD\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"my-2 [\u0026amp;+p]:mt-4 [\u0026amp;_strong:has(+br)]:inline-block [\u0026amp;_strong:has(+br)]:align-top\"\u003eThis 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. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"my-2 [\u0026amp;+p]:mt-4 [\u0026amp;_strong:has(+br)]:inline-block [\u0026amp;_strong:has(+br)]:align-top\"\u003eThe 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. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"my-2 [\u0026amp;+p]:mt-4 [\u0026amp;_strong:has(+br)]:inline-block [\u0026amp;_strong:has(+br)]:align-top\"\u003eSize: 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"my-2 [\u0026amp;+p]:mt-4 [\u0026amp;_strong:has(+br)]:inline-block [\u0026amp;_strong:has(+br)]:align-top\"\u003eProvenance: Collection of Jerry Zimler (1954–1989), a clinical psychologist of New York, NY, whose practice focused primarily on work with disturbed children.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"my-2 [\u0026amp;+p]:mt-4 [\u0026amp;_strong:has(+br)]:inline-block [\u0026amp;_strong:has(+br)]:align-top\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Art for Eternity","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53649189175610,"sku":"17671","price":895.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0775\/5120\/6714\/files\/17671z.jpg?v=1782414105","url":"https:\/\/howardnowes.com\/products\/png-bosmun-wood-figural-paddle-finial","provider":"Art for Eternity","version":"1.0","type":"link"}