Lot 345

PNG Turama River Hardwood Ceremonial Head | Serrated Teeth

Previous image preload Next image preload

PNG Turama River Hardwood Ceremonial Head | Serrated Teeth

Estimate: $1,500 - $2,250

Starting Bid: $750

(0 Bids)

June 12, 2026 9:00 AM MDT
Live Auction
Louisville, CO, US

Description:

Papuan Gulf, Papua New Guinea, early to mid 20th century. Rare carved solid wood replacement head of striking and animated character, carved from dense hardwood and dating to the early 20th century. The bold composition features circular eyes, a narrow linear nose extending nearly the full length of the face, and an open mouth filled with sharply serrated teeth. Patterned bands beneath the eyes and zigzag motifs framing the face are deeply carved. The strongly defined forms and lively expression distinguish this as a particularly compelling example. Red ochre, white pigment. Custom mounted.

Replacement heads of this type were carved to restore damaged ceremonial figures — a practice that underscores the ongoing ritual importance of such objects within the community. Size: 11.125”H (28.3cm).

Provenance: Ex. Richard Aldridge Collection, Perth; Field collected by Dick Randolph, a sawmill owner, on the Turama River.

SHIPPING: We coordinate worldwide shipping in-house through specialist international forwarders experienced with fine art and antiquities customs manifests. International buyers must confirm, prior to bidding, that their country's customs authority will accept the item. All duties, taxes, clearance fees, and any costs arising from customs delays, seizures, re-export, returns, or loss in transit are the buyer's sole responsibility. Artemis assumes no liability for items refused entry, detained, or lost after export. We cannot ship ancient items to their country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.).

PAYMENT EXCEPTION: For clients not previously established with Artemis, payment for all gold, precious metal, and gemstone lots must be made by bank wire transfer or certified bank check/money order, without exception.

Item # 71612

  • Condition: Loss at top left corner of face.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

ACH, American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 30% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $749 $25
$750 $1,499 $50
$1,500 $2,999 $100
$3,000 $7,499 $250
$7,500 $14,999 $500
$15,000 + $1,000