Description:

**Originally Listed At $250**

Tribal,Oceania, Papua New Guinea, probably New Ireland, ca. early 20th century CE. A large wooden carving of a large head above a smaller head, both with round, staring eyes. Intricate, deeply incised carvings encircle the faces, suggesting tattooing or elaborate coiffures. The eyes are deeply set behind heavy brows, the mouths small and obscured by knotted bunches of fine raffia or some other natural fiber. Size: 9.25" W x 20.8" H (23.5 cm x 52.8 cm)

White, black, and red pigment add further dramatic details to the sculpture - especially the bright red of the irises of the larger face's eyes. New Ireland, part of the Bismarck Archipelago, is located north of the main island of New Guinea. Their art traditionally honors ancestors and is used in ceremonies focused upon the deceased. The round, staring eyes with defined irises that we see on this example are a particular hallmark of New Ireland's wooden sculpture.

Provenance: Ex-Adeon Gallery, Chicago, IL, acquired prior to 1970.

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#119193

  • Condition: Wood shows stable age cracks; some fading to pigment.

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August 17, 2017 7:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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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