Pacific Islands Animal Sculptures

Authentic giant clam shell specimen with its iconic sculptural form and sea inspired colors and textures.

Hand carved wood in a form of an elephant. No tusk

Striking sculpture of a crocodile hand-carved and etched in solid wood with great craftsmanship and detail, made in Mexico. An impressive yet whimsical depiction of a menacing open-m...

mid-20th century Tami Islands Papua new guinea wooden feast bowl Of classic form, each end carved with raised and incised imagery depicting stylized sea cr...

This crocodile figurine was produced in Austria and is signed at the bottom: Bosse Austria. The piece comes together with a fabric pouch, including a certificate, too. Model N° BO 6...

Carved from reddish brown hardwood, the hollow form rises from a cylindrical neck, the lowest part being a rounded base, then surrounded by diagonal sections. The neck is surrounded by nine rows of coral beaded necklaces (odigba) that extend to a thread motif on the back of the head. Face in full relief with straight lips, flared, flattened nose and oval eyes with set shell (nut) for the pupils. Along the forehead are six frontal scars treated with rectangular cavities in which should have inserts nutshells. In this case there is only one left Small ears on each side of the head, each C-shaped. A headband consisting of three rows of almost completely distroyed. On the right side of the head, a single feather extends upward from a beaded rosette. Behind the ear, two long braids of hair hang down to the beaded collar and then become bows that reach the roots. The left side of the head has a long, single braid behind the ear that hangs down to the beaded collar and becomes a bow that ends at the base. On each side, three strands of hair appear at the temples under the headband. Featuring an open hole with a circular motif on the top of the head and a rectangular open slit down the back. Insect damage in different areas; very old worn finish showing a lot of age. Very heavy insect damage in all areas; very old worn finish showing a lot of age. “Wooden shrine heads were permitted to sit on the altars of chiefs and important figures, in contrast to the copper alloy heads used exclusively by the kings of Benin. (Frederic Backlar, Bonhams, New York, 2012, lot 172) Osemwede (reigned 1816-1848) was the first Oba to decree that human heads could be carved for the altars of chiefs of royal lineage, rather than just wooden antelope and perhaps goat heads. Therefore, chiefs of blood enjoyed in Benin City (but not throughout the Kingdom of Benin, where antelope heads continued to be placed on the altars of their ancestors well into the 20s. Thus, the (wooden) human heads are said to be later than ca. 1816, but the actual age depends condition, insect damage, etc." (Fagg, William, Christie's, London, 1988, lot 206) "Feathers were worn by chiefs as a sign of status. The heads have a hole at the top intended to hold a large carved ivory tusk...

Yiman (Alamblak) People, Southern Hills, Middle Sepik River 42 x 10 x 2 in. / 107 x 25 x 5 cm The Yipwon are the patron spirits of hunting and warfare.

Antique carved sandstone head dating back to 1800. This carefully crafted piece has certainly stood the test of time - at 200 years old the details of this distinguished gentlemen are still very much intact. He is a moustached man, with a Victorian look, giving a deep and direct stare. Cockermouth The head originates from the town of Cockermouth, which is located at the junction of the Derwent and Cocker rivers and considered the gateway to the western Lake District and the Solway Coast. The town is classified as an architectural gem with 105 listed buildings, and stone for older buildings was quarried locally. This sculpture is made from Lazonby Red Sandstone, which has a high Quartz content that gives it a distinct sparkle in the sunlight. Additional dimensions: Stone head only...

Large and exceptional vintage tribal carved green jade/nephrite axe from Sentani, Papau New Guinea. The Axe is mounted in a custom made bronze base and is...

Karaut pectoral, Southern Abelam people, Papua New Guinea Fiber, boar's tusks, nassa and cowrie shells, pigment 15 by 5.25 inches (38 by 13.3 cm) This finely woven karaut boar’s tus...

Early 20th century shell money ring mounted on a custom made stand, Papua New Guinea.

This piece is an excellent example of an adornment used by Abelam warriors to frighten their enemies. They are held in a warrior’s mouth for courage and to intimidate their adversary...