Ex Carlebach 1953 Papua New Guinea Oceanic Tribal Art Ex Denver Art Museum

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Ex Carlebach 1953 Papua New Guinea Oceanic Tribal Art Ex Denver Art Museum

About the Item

Skull hook or rack, called Agiba, from the Kerewa people, Papuan Gulf, Papua New Guinea. Created in the early 20th century. Carved wood with natural pigments: red ocher clay, white lime, and black charcoal. Provenance: Carlebach Gallery, 1950s. Denver Art Museum., accession #1953.533 in white ink on the back. Description on the accession paper notes that it was "Acquired from The Carlebach Gallery, New York, NY in 1953". It is not known if the museum purchased it or or if it was gifted. Further inventory code on back: "358-QM-G", reference not known. See images. Note: 1953 is a relatively early year for tribal art from Papua New Guinea to enter a US museum collection. Used to display trophy skulls within the men's ceremonial houses of the Kerewa people of the Papuan Gulf region, on the south coast of New Guinea. Agiba depict important ancestors, often the mythical founders of village clans. Each clan owned one or two agiba which were kept in the clan's allotted space within the ceremonial house. The skulls of slain enemies were hung from the agiba with loops of rattan. Together with its skulls, the agiba was both a shrine and a source of supernatural power. The displays of trophy skulls were also status symbols, which marked the clan's prowess in warfare and headhunting. One thing about some of the skull racks from the Papuan Gulf is that, for us, in contrast to their grisly function, the spirit figures on them look playful, sprightly, even giddy.

Dimensions:
Height: 27.75 in (70.49 cm)Width: 7.25 in (18.42 cm)Depth: 1 in (2.54 cm)
Style:
Expressionist (In the Style Of)
Materials and Techniques:
Clay,Paint,Wood,Carved,Painted
Place of Origin:
Papua New Guinea
Period:
Early 20th Century
Date of Manufacture:
Early 20th Century
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use. Minor losses. In good condition, appropriate for age, origin, and mediums. The natural earth pigments, charcoal and lime rubbed as expected.
Seller Location:
Santa Fe, NM
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU5242218976982