Elema Culture Bark Belt-Papuan Gulf-New Guinea Art-Oceanic Art
The graphic quality of Papuan Gulf art is on full display with this outstanding bark belt from the Elema culture. The design is bold, crisp, clear and compelling with a series of toothy spirit faces linked by four-pointed star designs with pairs of eyes on each side. The design field is bright with in-filled white lime and is surrounded with red pigment. The dark glossy patina on the inside of the belt gives a good sense of the age of the belt. The piece was collected circa 1968 by Eudald Serra and is ex. David Serra Gallery. It dates to the late 19th century, is 9 ¾” ( 24.7 cm) in diameter and sells for $5500.