Paddle finial
Wogamsin or Kubain area, Middle and Upper Sepik River, Papua New Guinea
Wood
Early 20th century
16 inches (40.6 cm)
Field collected by Douglas Newton; ex. Jolika Collection of Marcia and John Friede, ex. Michael Hamson; ex. private collection, Madison, WI.

Considered a masterpiece, this paddle finial depicts two totemic bird heads facing one another and has a beautiful aged and glossy dark-brown patina. This particular example was most likely carved by the Munggwal clan, as referenced in Newton’s book. These handles were often carved similarly to the canoe prows and a related example can be seen in The Art of the Sepik River.

cf. Crocodile and Cassowary: religious art of the upper Sepik River, New Guinea, Douglas Newton, 1971. The Museum of Primitive Art, NY. pg. 59
#6011   

$1900