Description:

Oceania, Papua New Guinea, Sepik River, ca. mid 20th century CE. A large hand-carved wooden beater mallet with an anthropomorphic figure crouching on the top. The widest area is the base that serves as the beater head. The body narrows to a neck with carved incised lines and swirling motifs. At the top is a figure standing upright with a large angular face and hook nose. The cheeks have incised lines that represent ritualistic scars or tattoos and the top of the head supports a tall pointed headdress. This figure represents an ancestor or spirit figure, and the beater served as a drum mallet for striking the garamut, a type of slit-drum, and has developed a smooth patina from use. Drums are the most important instrument in Papua New Guinea; they are used in ceremonies, to issue warnings, and to call people to meetings. Each drum is traditionally thought to have its own unique spirit and the rhythmic sounds it creates are thought to constitute its voice. Size: 2.86" W x 21" H (7.3 cm x 53.3 cm); 22.75" H (57.8 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private Newport Beach, California, USA Collection, ex-Michael Hamson

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#142674

  • Condition: Stable fissure from base to the center of the beater. Surface abrasions as expected from use and age. Nice details on the figure and rich patina!

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December 17, 2020 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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