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

Decorative Indian hand painted trunk or "Palembang." Lacquered and hand painted, overall in excellent condition. A fabulous decorator or collector piece. 25W x 13D x 13H,  More »

Decorative Indian hand painted trunk or "Palembang." Lacquered and hand painted, overall in excellent condition. A fabulous decorator or collector piece. 25W x 13D x 13H, circa early 20th Century.   « Less

Antique Indian wood plaque with Sanskrit inscriptions and intricate decorations on both sides. The obverse side features Lord Ganesha with 2 female attendants holding fly  More »

Antique Indian wood plaque with Sanskrit inscriptions and intricate decorations on both sides. The obverse side features Lord Ganesha with 2 female attendants holding fly whisks. The reverse side features a noble woman riding a large bird. She holds a vessel in right hand and a string of pearls in left hand. The Sanskrit inscription on reverse side has more wear. The wooden board probably dates to 14th.-16th. century, or earlier. Size: 17.8" X 9" (45 X 23 cm.). Email correspondence to us could be written in French, Spanish, Russian, Romanian and Italian. We accept credit cards and personal checks as echecks through Paypal. as well as bank wire transfer. Prompt shipment throgh insured priority mail, or registered mail for the international customers.   « Less

18th.-19th. century Tibetan short sword made from chiseled silver and deer horn. The scabbard is decorated with turquoise and coral. The deer horn hilt is adorned with heavy  More »

18th.-19th. century Tibetan short sword made from chiseled silver and deer horn. The scabbard is decorated with turquoise and coral. The deer horn hilt is adorned with heavy silver proximal end in shape of makara swallowing a large coral piece. The hand guard is shaped like Japanese tsuba. Heavy deer horn scabbard decorated with turquoise and coral, The proximal end is in shape of a demonic mask. 2 silver lions are adjacent to the center piece decorations. The reverse side of the scabbard features a single dragon. The side features a silver decor with 2 dragons facing a demonic figure.   « Less

19th. century Tibetan set of eating utensils made for a noble nomad. It has a silver chain decorated with zoomorphic design. The scabbard of the knife has high relief silver  More »

19th. century Tibetan set of eating utensils made for a noble nomad. It has a silver chain decorated with zoomorphic design. The scabbard of the knife has high relief silver decorations featuring the 8 Buddhist auspicious accomplishments. The knife's handle is made from boxwood and the ends are decorated with chiseled silver in high relief. 2 ivory chopsticks are enclosed having chiseled silver ends. Single edge blade with a single blood groove. Knife's length: 14" ( 36 cm.). The length of the set is 16" (41 cm.). This is a rare Tibetan artifact and in excellent condition for its age. Additional photos available on request to the interested buyer. We ship by priority mail or Fedex and for our international clientele, we ship by priority mail international or Fedex.   « Less

Antique Nepali-Tibetan ritual trumpet decorated almost in its entirety with inlaid turquoise and carnelian. The body is made from brass and one portion is chiseled with  More »

Antique Nepali-Tibetan ritual trumpet decorated almost in its entirety with inlaid turquoise and carnelian. The body is made from brass and one portion is chiseled with intricate patten decorations. A carnelian stone decorates the obverse side. Additional digital photos available on request to the interested buyer. We ship by priority mail or Fedex and for our international clientele, we ship by priority mail international or Fedex. The buyer is responsible for the customs duty if any charged.   « Less