Large Old Asmat Carved Wood House Figure - Irian Jaya - Papua New Guinea PNG

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Large Old Asmat Carved Wood House Figure - Irian Jaya - Papua New Guinea PNG:
$1200.00

Antiques-ArtOtherFINE ARTDECORATIVE ARTTRIBAL - ETHNOGRAPHIC ART Large Old Asmat Carved Wood House Figure - Irian Jaya - Papua New Guinea PNG SIZE: Height - 38\" / Weight - 9 lb. 3 oz.
Large old Asmat carved and painted wood figural sculpture, decorated with a woven hat, belt and ear ornaments. Irian Jaya / Papua New Guinea. Early to mid 20th century.
This sculpture depicts two figures. The small figure holding the chest of, and being held by, the large figure. Both have attached ear ornaments which are constructed of woven string, raffia, light-colored seeds, and long black hollow tube-like seeds or pods. The large figure is wearing a woven loin-cloth as well as a woven and raffia headdress. Both figures have carved tattoo or skin ornamentations that have been painted black and red.
The base of the sculpture is of interest as it has been carved in a way that it most likely fit onto, and was fastened by nails (at one time) onto, the wall or post of a house. It was not carved flat to stand alone and three old nail holes are visible on the base. Likely, it is an architectural piece made for tribal use, not for sale to the outside.
The sculpture has a very old oxidized patina with darkening to the unpainted and painted wood surfaces. Old rusty nails hold the headdress to the head. The septum is pierced in the old manner and the figure was carved from a heavy hard wood.NOTE: This sculpture will not stand up alone and was photographed using a small wedge to make it stand in an upright position. It would be a good idea to have a display stand made.
AGE: Early to mid 20th century. Circa 1940\'s - 1960\'s.
PROVENANCE: From a San Francisco estate collection. Said to have been collected in its present condition during the early 1960’s.
This piece will be a museum quality addition to any collection of Tribal Art and will display beautifully in any Mid Century Modern, Eames Era, Art Deco, Modernist, South Pacific - Oceanic, Ethnographic, or Arts and Crafts decor. look carefully at all the photos to view the details and condition of the piece and e-mail with any questions ... I always respond quickly!
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