Two canoe prow ornaments
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- Two canoe prow ornaments
3049517
Two canoe prow ornaments
Papua New Guinea - Humboldt Bay, Walamo Village
Provenance | Size | Starting price / estimated price |
---|---|---|
American Private Collection | L: 21.7 inch & 22.6 inch | 2000 EUR |
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.