Middle Sepik River Flute Stopper-New Guinea Art-Oceanic Art
Here is an old and engaging Middle Sepik River flute stopper. The broad smiling mouth is cut through and the tongue is distended. As one would expect for an early piece, the nose and ears are pierced. The stopper would have been used to plug one end of a large bamboo flute to keep the powerful spirits contained inside the instrument. This one dates to the early 20th century or before, comes from the Pieter Lunshof Collection in Paris, Bruce Frank in New York and then David & Bonnie Ross Collection in Indianapolis. It is 7 7/8” (20 cm) in height and the price is available upon request. Questions?