Massim Wave-Splitter Finial-New Guinea Art-Oceanic Tribal Art
The lightwood wave-splitter finials from the Massim kula trading canoes are seemingly all elegant compositions with swirls, curvilinear designs and often bird motifs. I think this present example takes it even further. The four discreet birds on top are as close to each other as possible without touching. The final smaller one to the right is gently nuzzled under the beak of the largest bird. There are remains of white lime pigments. The piece dates to the early/mid 20th century, comes from a private German collection is 21-1/4" in height and the price is $4500. Questions?