Canoe prow in shape of a crocodile ·  Papua New Guinea - Sepik · ID: 3036776

Description

wood, greyish brown patina, small remains of white pigment, elaborate carved, slightly dam., missing parts through insect caused damage and weathering (underside of the snout on the left/upper side on the right and backside), cracks, abrasion of paint;
a dugout canoe was the most important mobility device in the Sepik River area. In mythology the crocodiles encorporate a “gulping monster”, used at initiation rites. It was of decisive importance in religious and ritual contexts, and was the most significant art theme within the whole region. Accordingly it was the preferred motif for prow figures of dugout canoes, which were used for head hunting raids in former times.

The object Canoe prow in shape of a crocodile with the object ID 3036776 was last part of the auction 77th tribal art auction at June 28, 2014 on Zemanek-Münster Auction house. The object with the lot number 58 achieved a sales price of EUR 850.

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