Beater · Papua New Guinea, Iatmul · ID: 3036478
not available anymore
Provenance
Mark Eglinton, New York, USASize
L: 54,5 cm
L: 21.5 inch
Description
heavy wood, dark brown patina, remains of red, white and indigo blue pigment, oval flattened head piece, beating area with decor in bas-relief, the handle carved with a crocodile head, two rattan cuffs (for suspension), slightly dam., minor missing parts, abrasion of paint, base;
such beaters with abundant decor were used for opening coconuts which the Iatmul used for ritual purposes.
Comparing literature
Greub, Suzanne (ed.), Kunst am Sepik, Basel 1985, ill. 56 Kelm, Heinz, Kunst vom Sepik, Band III, Berlin 1968, ill. 487