A rare Papua 'Gope' Spirit board from the Schulze Westrum collection

A rare Papua 'Gope' Spirit board from the Schulze Westrum collection New Guinea, Papua Gulf, probably Minagoiravi, Wapo River, late 19th–early 20th century H. 130 x W. 24.5 cm Pro...

East-Sepik Province, Keram River, early 20th century The painting in non-binded pigment on sago spathe, bark of a sago palm, depicts an ancestral figure surrounded by a saw fish...

A fine Jelutong wood Dayak Kliau or shield Indonesia, Borneo, Kalimantan, first half of the 19th century Measures: H. 126 x W. 36 cm The kliau or klebit is the most popular ...

Indonesia, Nias, 19th century H. 37.5 x W. 10 cm Sculptures like the one present are not only decorative items but are believed to be vessels that house the spirits of ancestors and are used to communicate with them. After the death of a person a wooden image or Adu Zatua was made to mediate between the human world and the spiritual realm. These kinds of figures were commissioned by noble Nias families, whereas simple and lesser quality carvings generally were found among lower class families. In this particularly fine example, the sculptor has paid careful attention to the proportions of the different parts of the body, dividing it into three main sections – the head, the torso, and the legs. The shapes are sometimes flat, round, or have notches, but all are perfectly in balance creating a certain divine tranquillity. This Adua Zatua’s ears are decorated with earrings, and it is wearing a headdress, pointing towards a chiefly provenance. In 1914 the Dutch gained complete control of the island of Nias and started spreading Protestant Christianity. Many ancestor statues...

Tapa dance shield. Baining People, New Britain, Papua New Guinea. First half, 20th century Pounded mulberry bark painted with natural pigments Measure...

An old and authentic votive board representing the spirit of water, Shamanic, Primitive Arts, Tribal Art, Brutalist, Shabby-Chic, in carved wood and painted with patina due to use, characteristic work of the creations of the Kwoma people , Washkuk Mountains, Upper Sepik region, Papua New Guinea, 1950. This votive board comes from the former collection of a French diplomat...

Papua New Guinea: Talipun, Boiken, Sepik River Region  Northern Papua New Guinea, 20th Century  A fine example of the rich cultural heritage of Papua New ...

Behold the captivating beauty and profound cultural significance of the Naga Ceremonial Shield, a remarkable piece of artistry and heritage. This exceptional shield, exquisitely craf...