A desireable indigo, warp ikat, women's sarong from the Indonesian island of Savu. The large ikat design band, counterbalanced by by a plain area and numerous subsidiary  More »

A desireable indigo, warp ikat, women's sarong from the Indonesian island of Savu. The large ikat design band, counterbalanced by by a plain area and numerous subsidiary bands carrying smaller ikat designs, is the typical composition of this communities textiles. The indigo color is now much less often encountered in these older garments. In our collection since 1994, this sarong probably dates to mid 20th C. The fabric is soft and the color slightly muted from washing, wear and age. The overall condition is very good with no apparent damage. The garment seam has not been opened and measures 22" x 60'   « Less

A pair of early 20th C, gilt silver cuffs called bilezik, with carnelian cabochons set in four bands. The background of each band is incised with a traditional pattern of  More »

A pair of early 20th C, gilt silver cuffs called bilezik, with carnelian cabochons set in four bands. The background of each band is incised with a traditional pattern of scrolls which were enhanced by fired gold gilt. The gilt is now somewhat worn from use. An original. hand crafted pair of good quality silver, which adorned a Tekke woman before collection in the field by the former owner. 1900-1920. 1.25" in length,   « Less

A very unusual pair of beaded, silver metal and carnelian colored glass epaulets. Undoubtly the design of a tribal craftsman after seeing a Turkish or European military  More »

A very unusual pair of beaded, silver metal and carnelian colored glass epaulets. Undoubtly the design of a tribal craftsman after seeing a Turkish or European military officer. The beading is in traditional colors and vaguely suggests the tree of life. The large carnelian colored glass is very much a part of the Turkmen jewelry tradition. In excellent condition with only one of the dangles missing. Presented on a custom display, from which they are easliy removed, designed by the former Santa Fe collector where they resided for the last 12 years. The epaulets are 5"x7" and the display is 12"x12". 1960's era   « Less

Built by the coil method, often by women potters in the Sowash villages of Kowait and Kamangawi on the Sepik plains, these low fired pots are covered with a design which is  More »

Built by the coil method, often by women potters in the Sowash villages of Kowait and Kamangawi on the Sepik plains, these low fired pots are covered with a design which is owned and handed down thru generations. Each pot is unique to a particular family. Highly valued, they are not only used in preparing sago pancakes for an honored quest, they are also deemed valuable trade items and gifts. Our example does have some soot staining and loss of design pigment but is in all other ways almost perfect, with no chips or cracks. Mid 20th C. 10.5: in diameter, Height 5". Accompanied by a metal display stand with worn paint.   « Less

A fine, large skull rack from Kanganamon Village, Middle Sepik region. The figure depicts a fierce female ancestor figure with a well carved crocodile on her back. She stands  More »

A fine, large skull rack from Kanganamon Village, Middle Sepik region. The figure depicts a fierce female ancestor figure with a well carved crocodile on her back. She stands on the rack which has an additional ancestor image carved in its face. The wood is in good shape, with no damage or apparent losses. The contact areas show wear and there is a dark patina to the wood. From a 1970"s collection. H: 37.5", W; 9".   « Less

A fine old, Baba or Baba Takwa helmet mask that shows the effect of use and age. Some traces of the pigment appled to the mud and resin surface of the cheeks remains. The  More »

A fine old, Baba or Baba Takwa helmet mask that shows the effect of use and age. Some traces of the pigment appled to the mud and resin surface of the cheeks remains. The same is true of the cassowary feather crown. The basketry helmet itself is in good shape for the years of use and the ears are original. The Baba has several roles in Abelam practice. Usually noted for its association with the bush spirits called Wale, it is used in the early phases of the cycle of initiation ceremonies. The pig like Baba is also said to help the souls of the deceased find their way to the spirit world. A good addition to any New Guinea Collection. Mid 20th Century. Size: Hieght: 13.5", Diameter 9.5" front to back depth 11.5"   « Less

A hardwood war shield in the style of the Hunstein Mountain region. The top has twine lacing for the placement of cassowary feathers or other enhancements. Both the grip and  More »

A hardwood war shield in the style of the Hunstein Mountain region. The top has twine lacing for the placement of cassowary feathers or other enhancements. Both the grip and sling appears to be of a well used, rope like material. The traditional, regional pattern was applied with pigment and commercial paint and shows losses from use. There are areas that appear to be impregnated with wood smoke. Some minor edge losss but in overall good condition. Size, 51.5"H x 16"W. Mid 20th C   « Less

A very striking chest ornament, or pectoral worn by men during certain festivals in the Wihgi Valley, Western Highlands, usually associated with the killing of a large number  More »

A very striking chest ornament, or pectoral worn by men during certain festivals in the Wihgi Valley, Western Highlands, usually associated with the killing of a large number of pigs which are roasted and eaten. This is a fine old tribal piece from the Mark Siedler collection. Siedler lived in New Guinea in the 1970's managing a hotel there. He became very intrigued by the culture and amassed a large, well chosen collection. We were fortunate to acquire a few items from him over a decade ago. This Moka Kina was among those acquired. A copy of a published article about Seidler is included with the piece. For additional information about Kina please see the Chris Boylan article in Tribal Arts magazine Vol.1/1 Winter Spring 2000. The piece is well preserved yet shows some age and the effect of use. The pigment colored resin and mud on which the Kina shell is mounted shows the effects of dehydration and shrinkage. There is some cracking and minor losses. The fiber band on which the piece was suspended is now gone although examination of the back reveals the original holes where it was attached. The large kina shell is in very good condition. Accompanied by a custom, metal display stand. Early to mid 20th C.   « Less

The original purpose of the Kara-Ut seems to have been to provide protection to the wearer and to at the same time frighten the enemy. When going into battle the Abelam  More »

The original purpose of the Kara-Ut seems to have been to provide protection to the wearer and to at the same time frighten the enemy. When going into battle the Abelam warrior would bite the piece to hold it firmly in his mouth. The tusks are said to symbolize the strength and bravery of the boar. Kara means boar or pig and Ut means net bag. The body of the figure contains magic in the form of herbs and leaves that are thought to protect the wearer. The Kara-Ut is also worn around the neck as a pectoral or hanging down the back at various tribal events called "Sing-Sings" where they are principally a status symbol. Our example has been in storage for two decades. The applied charcoal and ochra paints and pigments are still bright and the piece is in very good overall condition with the exception that the tips of both tusks are damaged. Mid 20th C. H; 11.25" W: 3.75: Accompanied by a custom metal display stand.   « Less

Here is a rare and important set of four antique Colonial-Indian architectural wooden columns set on stone bases, having incredibly hand carved structures with beautiful  More »

Here is a rare and important set of four antique Colonial-Indian architectural wooden columns set on stone bases, having incredibly hand carved structures with beautiful patina that has aged well. This set has lots of creative potential! Each measuring 12W x 99H, in outstanding condition. Circa 1870, priced as set. Serious inquiries welcome.   « Less