- 34
A Kerewa, Goaribari Island, Skull Rack, Papua New Guinea
Estimate
20,000 - 30,000 USD
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Description
- Crochet porte-crânes, groupe Kerewa, Ile de Goaribari, Golfe de Papouasie
- Haut.97 cm
- 38 in
agiba, of overall flat form and large proportions, the openwork bvody, with flaring shoulders beneath the large rounded head; aged patina with black, white and orange pigment.
Provenance
Collected in situ by George Craig
Zollman Collection, Indianapolis
Jack Edler
Scott Rodolitz, New York
Tookalook Gallery, Montreal
Exhibited
Athens, Trisolini Gallery, Ohio University, Art of the Sepik River and the Papuan Gulf: An Exhibition of New Guinea Art, May 4 - June 13, 1987
Condition
very good condiiton overall; minor age cracks, nicks and scratches, pierced five times on reverse, with two screws inserted for mounting; aged patina with black, white and orange pigment.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
Catalogue Note
The most sacred objects of the Kerewa were kept in a ceremonial house. Each clan owned at least one agiba, which was hung from the rafters. A platform, pepe was placed underneath it to support the suspended skulls. According to Haddon (1918: passim), most skulls were taken during head hunting expeditions. Each time a skull was added the agiba was painted to reactivate its power and reinforce its sacred nature. Cf. Sotheby's, New York, November 11, 2004, lot 13 for a closely related example of similar age.