A Large Feast Bowl and Betel Nut Staff Bowl: Schouten Island, Papua New Guinea, c. 19th century Staff: Wapo De...

Description

A Large Feast Bowl and Betel Nut Staff
Bowl: Schouten Island, Papua New Guinea, c. 19th century
Staff: Wapo Delta, Papuan Gulf, c. 19th century

The large feast bowl with mask-like heads and conical headdresses at the pointed ends, a raised ridge on the underside in form of a long stylized crocodile. With a black patina and polish from long use. The staff carved from black hardwood with a stylized head wearing a tall hat at top, below is a 5 inch cut-out with its sides incised with zigzags and highlighted with white pigment. This was used to hang and present dried betel nuts during festivities. With a custom steel base. Both in good condition, with patina of use and age.

Provenances:
Bowl: Michael Hamson, Ranchos Palo Verdes, CA
Staff: On loan to the Carnegie Museum, Philadelphia, Pittsburg, PA from 1926 to 1955; collection number L759/45 in white ink on one side.

Lengths: staff, 33 inches; bowl, 36 ½ inches

Estimate: $1,000 - $1,500.

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