Head ornament "wagnen" ·  Papua New Guinea - Wosera · ID: 3032586

Description

light-weighted wood, red and yellow ochre, white and black pigment, board-shaped flat, painted front- and back, a human face with its own “wagnen” underneath, which is incorporated into the painted decor, slightly dam., missing parts through insect caused damage (backside, top), on metal base;
the “wagnen” is a stylized representation of the painted triangular facade of the “korumbo”, or spirit house. It is worn behind and projecting above the head of the male initiate.

The object Head ornament “wagnen” with the object ID 3032586 was last part of the auction 68th tribal art auction at March 3, 2012 on Zemanek-Münster Auction house. The object with the lot number 41 achieved a sales price of EUR 1,200.

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Comparing literature

Meyer, Anthony J.P., Ozeanische Kunst, Vol. I, Köln 1995, p. 280, ill. 309