Description:

Oceania, Eastern Papua New Guinea, Trobriand Islands, Milne Bay province, Massim peoples, ca. 19th to early 20th century CE. A carved ebony wood club featuring an elongated, blade-like body intricately decorated with low-relief incised motifs - scrolling lines, undulating patterns, and geometric forms. Just below the ovoid pommel, a pair of stylized male figures is rendered in relief, while the oversized head may symbolize a female presence or anthropomorphic spirit. Locally known as pulata, such sword clubs were not intended for combat. Instead, they served important ceremonial and social roles - used in dispute resolution, ritual diplomacy, funerary rites, and acts of spiritual protection against sorcery. This piece's elaborate surface and symbolic carving indicate its function within spheres of leadership, negotiation, and ancestral reverence. Faint remnants of lime remain in the incisions, once used to accentuate the patterns but now subtly worn with age. Size: 31" L x 4" W (78.7 cm x 10.2 cm)

Provenance: Ralph T. Coe Center for the Arts, Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA

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.

SHIPPING EXCEPTIONS: Due to customs clearance issues, we are unable to ship to Germany, Switzerland and Australia. If you live in Germany, Switzerland or Australia, you will need to provide an alternate shipping destination, or we will not be able to complete your purchase. In addition, please note that we are unable to ship ancient items back to the original country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.)

PAYMENT EXCEPTION: Unless a known customer of Artemis, payment for all gold / precious metal / gem lots must be made via Bank Wire Transfer or Certified Bank Check/Money Order, no exceptions.

#195971

  • Condition: Old chips and abrasions, but overall excellent. Remnants of lime. Remains of dealer/collector label on top of handle, but indiscernible.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Shipping

Bidder Can Make Shipping Arrangements, Local Pick-Up, In-House Shipping

August 22, 2025 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer’s premium, as outlined below, and any applicable taxes and shipping.
Buyer's Premium
$0 - $249,999:
26.00%
$250,000+:
22.50%

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 + $500