Two canoe prow ornaments
Papua New Guinea - Humboldt Bay, Walamo Village
Price
EUR 2,000
plus 27 % commission, VAT, transport and insurance
Provenance
American Private CollectionSize
L: 55 cm & 57,5 cm
L: 21.7 inch & 22.6 inch
Description
wood, rest.
Early examples of intricately carved prow ornaments as made for Walamo fishing canoes.
Traditionally, they are carved with the head of the “Friar bird” (“leather head”), which is believed by the local people to be a messenger from their ancestors, as well as guardians watching over the fishermen at sea.