Description:

South Pacific, Papua New Guinea, ca. mid 20th century CE. Carved from a single length of dense hardwood, this exceptional pestle originates from Papua New Guinea and features a stylized bird’s head finial, rendered with curved beak and raised eye ridges. The shaft is adorned with incised geometric banding, darkened from age and use, with a deep patina throughout. Such pestles were traditionally used in food preparation, particularly for pounding sago or other tubers, and also carried ritual significance in certain contexts. The presence of avian motifs suggests symbolic associations with spiritual communication or ancestral protection, common themes in PNG material culture. Size: 29.5" L x 1.5" W (74.9 cm x 3.8 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.

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#195968

  • Condition: Old ID sticker on bottom, unable to remove without damage. Top point chipped. Wood worn, gauged due to age. Crack on bottom next to sticker.

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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

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$300 $999 $50
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