A superb Kerewa Skull Rack, Goaribari Island, Papua New Guinea

agiba, the anthropomorphic form with stylized openwork body and flared shoulders surmounted by a spade-shaped head, the eyes, mouth, and rib cage in relief; exceptionally fine and encrusted patina with orange, white, dark brown and pink pigment.

John J. Klejman, New York
Acquired from the above on January 3, 1975

Very good condition overall.
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 coastal Papua New Guinea, in the area of the Papuan Gulf, according to Haddon (1918: 178) an agiba was carved "by a man when he takes a head, but other men add skulls from time to time; the skulls are those of enemies only." Placed in the men's ceremonial houses, the agiba were the armature for human skulls, which could be trophies from head hunting or war.

The skulls were outfitted with rattan and then suspended by the central vertical protrusions inside the figure's body. Each clan owned at least one agiba which represented important ancestors, often clan founders (Friede 2005: 164).

"When the number of skulls increased as the result of headhunting expeditions, the figure was displayed on a platform to provide a base for the bottom row of skulls on which the others could be piled up [...]. In the early 1900s, agiba had been observed with 'between fifty to sixty skulls attached' [...]" (ibid.).