Five New Guinea Tall Objects-New Guinea Art-Oceanic Art
Tall objects on their own are often difficult to communicate in a photograph. Thus, I have grouped these five together to make a more pleasing assemble. One the left is a large Abelam digging stick, “gisa”, that was published in my “Art of the Abelam” book of 2015, no. 52, page 124. It dates to the early 20th century, stands 99 5/8” (253 cm) in height and sells for $4000. To the right of that is a Schouten Island figurative canoe paddle from a Phoenix private collection and the first time on the market in 50 years. It has a classic seated long nose ancestral spirit figure with hands resting on the knees. The paddle dates to the 1930/40s, is 87” (221 cm) in height and sells for $3200. In the middle is a huge Massim culture sago stirring ladle. In certain feasts sago is prepared in huge bowls and stirred with such a ladle in a melodic, ritual manner. This one comes from a private Phoenix collection, the first time on the market in over 50 years. It stands 101 ½” (257.8 cm) in height and sells for $4500. To its right is an ancient Abelam figurative spear, pre-contact, stone-carved, ex. Ben Birillo Collection, ex. Jolika Collection of John and Marcia Friede. This too is published in my “Art of the Abelam” catalog of 2015, no. 49, p. 121. It stands 87 ½” (222.3 cm) in height, dates to the 19th century and sells for $4800. Far right is a very nice and old Asmat spear with openwork section, stands 101 ¾” (258.4 cm) in height, dates to the 1920-40s era and sells for $1600. Questions?