Description:

Oceania, Papua New Guinea, Sepik River region, ca. mid-20th century CE. A fine hand-carved wooden sago spatula, also known as a sago stirrer, with a paddle-shaped lower body that tapers gradually to form the narrow, figural handle. The intricately-carved handle displays the form of an anthropomorphic figure known as a "kandimboang" who has delineated legs, sinuous arms, and wide hips, all emphasized by his striking avian features, such as narrow ovoid eyes and an enormous curved beak. The zoomorphic being is dressed in an elaborate headdress and a petite loin cloth. Lustrous layers of brown patina have developed across the tool. Sago, a starch extracted from the spongy center of various tropical palm stems, is a major food staple for the indigenous peoples of Papua New Guinea. Size: 1.5" W x 21.75" H (3.8 cm x 55.2 cm); 23.25" H (59.1 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private Newport Beach, California, USA collection

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#142678

  • Condition: Collection label on verso. Light nicks and abrasions to spatula, handle, and pommel, with minor softening to some carved details of handle, otherwise intact and very good. Great patina throughout.

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June 17, 2021 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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