Description:

Papua New Guinea, Sepik River, Yamok village, ca. mid 20th century CE. A large-scale hornbill bird perched upon a boulder, all carved from a single piece of wood, tastefully painted with natural pigments in hues of gold, beige, taupe, and pale pink, and further adorned with cowrie shell eyes. The piece presents a dramatic silhouette with its long, curved beak, high arched crest, bent legs, and knotched feathers lining its back. The artisans from Yamok village have traditionally carved birds associated with their ancestral stories. The hornbill is regarded as a symbol of wisdom, has also been associated with head hunting and the transfer of power, and is a significant symbol employed in initiation ceremonies. Metal stand. Size: 9.75" W x 44.125" H (24.8 cm x 112.1 cm)

Provenance: private New Mexico, USA collection

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#122437

  • Condition: Small loss to tip of beak. Expected age cracks and surface wear with minor nicks and pigment losses commensurate with age.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

May 18, 2017 7:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of up to 24.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000