Magic bone tube · Papua New Guinea, Abelam · ID: 3040148
sold
EUR 1,500
Size
L: 13,3 cm
L: 5.2 inch
Description
human bone, small remains of brown paint, entirely covered with incised signs and emblems, which are strongly abraded in some areas through long years of usage, drilled hole on one side, slightly dam. (upper rim), metal base;
such bone tubes “each time were explained in terms of magic and secrecy with the suggestion of malicious intent” (according to M. Hamson, 2015, p. 241).
Comparing literature
Hamson, Michael, Art of the Abelam, Los Angeles 2015, p. 241 ff Newton, Douglas et. al., Collecting New Guinea Art, o.O. 2013, p. 53, ill. 22