An impressive Biwat figure.
Garamuth front, Yuat river, Papua New Guinea. 19th century. 81 cm. Known for their impressive sacred 'flute stoppers', the Biwat artists created a variety of ornaments in their masks and ceremonial objects. This rare drum front has a large central figure with broad forehead, a curved, pierced nose and is holding onto a sacred crocodile on both sides. Like the flute stoppers, the stylized human figure has a small body and a large head with extremely high domed forehead. Although they depict humans, these figures were linked to crocodile spirits. (VJ)
Provenance:
Private collection.
Similar example in Museum Köln, published in:
'Schwarze Inseln der Südsee Melanesien', Abb. 125.
Specialist: Joris Visser
Joris Visser
+32-2-514 00 34
Joris.Visser@dorotheum.com
04.10.2021 - 15:25
- Estimate:
-
EUR 18,000.- to EUR 20,000.-
- Starting bid:
-
EUR 15,000.-
An impressive Biwat figure.
Garamuth front, Yuat river, Papua New Guinea. 19th century. 81 cm. Known for their impressive sacred 'flute stoppers', the Biwat artists created a variety of ornaments in their masks and ceremonial objects. This rare drum front has a large central figure with broad forehead, a curved, pierced nose and is holding onto a sacred crocodile on both sides. Like the flute stoppers, the stylized human figure has a small body and a large head with extremely high domed forehead. Although they depict humans, these figures were linked to crocodile spirits. (VJ)
Provenance:
Private collection.
Similar example in Museum Köln, published in:
'Schwarze Inseln der Südsee Melanesien', Abb. 125.
Specialist: Joris Visser
Joris Visser
+32-2-514 00 34
Joris.Visser@dorotheum.com
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| Auction: | Tribal Art |
| Auction type: | Online auction |
| Date: | 04.10.2021 - 15:25 |
| Location: | Vienna | Palais Dorotheum |
| Exhibition: | 29.09. - 04.10.2021 |