Oceania, Bismarck Archipelago, New Britain: A large, beautiful ‘Kundu’ hourglass drum, from the southwestern tip of the Island of New Britain.
Oceania, Bismarck Archipelago, New Britain: A large, beautiful ‘Kundu’ hourglass drum, from the southwestern tip of the Island of New Britain.
The decorative style reveals the influence of the Siassi islands and the North Coast of New Guinea (Astrolabe Bay, Huon Gulf). The tall, hourglass-shaped body of the single-headed drum is carved in brown, hard wood and decorated with elaborate, fine, abstract-geometric reliefs from the centre to the sides. This decoration is coloured black, red and white. An elegant arched handle is in the middle, and a crest-like decorative section on the opposite side – all made from a single piece. The original drumhead consists of dragon skin (varanus), to which 13 knops of black tree resin are glued. The drumhead is stretched towards the handle and the decorative crest by means of a rattan ring and rattan cords. An extremely beautiful, large object, with very good usage patina (handle!). Only minor age-related damage (colour scuffed, small cracks and two small original repairs to the lower edge). Otherwise in perfect condition! First third of the 20th century; H: 92 cm, DM: 19 cm (drumhead). (ME)
Provenance: German private collection.
Lit.: ‘Art Papou’, Musée d’Arts Africains, Océaniens, Amérindiens, Marseille (catalogue), ill. 168.
Specialist: Erwin Melchardt
Erwin Melchardt
+43-1-515 60-465
erwin.melchardt@dorotheum.at
05.11.2014 - 13:00
- Estimate:
-
EUR 3,600.- to EUR 4,000.-
Oceania, Bismarck Archipelago, New Britain: A large, beautiful ‘Kundu’ hourglass drum, from the southwestern tip of the Island of New Britain.
The decorative style reveals the influence of the Siassi islands and the North Coast of New Guinea (Astrolabe Bay, Huon Gulf). The tall, hourglass-shaped body of the single-headed drum is carved in brown, hard wood and decorated with elaborate, fine, abstract-geometric reliefs from the centre to the sides. This decoration is coloured black, red and white. An elegant arched handle is in the middle, and a crest-like decorative section on the opposite side – all made from a single piece. The original drumhead consists of dragon skin (varanus), to which 13 knops of black tree resin are glued. The drumhead is stretched towards the handle and the decorative crest by means of a rattan ring and rattan cords. An extremely beautiful, large object, with very good usage patina (handle!). Only minor age-related damage (colour scuffed, small cracks and two small original repairs to the lower edge). Otherwise in perfect condition! First third of the 20th century; H: 92 cm, DM: 19 cm (drumhead). (ME)
Provenance: German private collection.
Lit.: ‘Art Papou’, Musée d’Arts Africains, Océaniens, Amérindiens, Marseille (catalogue), ill. 168.
Specialist: Erwin Melchardt
Erwin Melchardt
+43-1-515 60-465
erwin.melchardt@dorotheum.at
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| Auction: | Tribal Art |
| Auction type: | Saleroom auction |
| Date: | 05.11.2014 - 13:00 |
| Location: | Vienna | Palais Dorotheum |
| Exhibition: | 31.10. - 05.11.2014 |