TELEFOMIN PEOPLE, ELIPTAMAN SUBGROUP, SHIELD, OK MOUNTAIN, POSSIBLY UBTEMTIGIN VILLAGE, PAPUA NEW GUINEA

atkom.

Michael Hamson, Palos Verdes
Marcia and John Friede, New York, acquired from the above

Very good condition for an object of this type and age. Age crack at center, running approximately 10 inches from the bottom of the shield with evidence of a previous native repair (holes for binding). Some other small holes. Nicks, scratches, and abrasions consistent with age and use. Fiber handles fragile. Eye hooks and plastic attachments for hanging.
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.

According to John Friede (personal communication, April 2011), "only two other shields of this design have been recorded: one inside the supreme cult house (variously referred to as the telefolip, yolam or
amogeng) at the Ifitaman Telefomin village of Telefolip, the other one at the Ifitaman villageof Oksivip (see Craig 1984, unnumbered 18th plate). The latter was carved with steel tools around 1948; the former probably was carved around the same time. However, based on the adze marks on its front and back, the JOLIKA shield appears to have been carved with stone tools. The motifs in the top and bottom thirds of the design are said to represent a flying fox (sagaam) and the small white triangles on the top and bottom represent the conus shell (unigi) worn by men from a string around their neck (see Beran & Craig 2005: fig. 5.7; Craig 1988: ill. 25). In 1972, Barry Craig photographed several shields of this design, newly-carved for sale, at the Eliptaman village of Ubtemtigin (and one at Afogavip). It is conceivable that these shields were modeled after the JOLIKA shield."