Shell Plaque (Barava) from Solomon Islands, 19th Century

A set of thirteen kriss handles originating from Java, Indonesia, dating from the late 18th to early 19th century. Beautiful aged patina in dark or amber tones. Exquisite carving wo...

Rare Kanak war club of the "Kagu" type (Bird's beak) in hardwood, from New Caledonia, Melanesia, 19th century. This is an exceptional Kanak art collector's item due to its imposing ...

Bamana N'tomo mask, Mali, 20th century "Generally surmounted by three to eight horns forming a comb, the N'tomoface mask refers to a moment of compulsory education given to uncircumcised young boys in certain West African societies. The mask's discreet, even absent, mouth emphasizes the behavior expected of them in their future adult life after training: controlling and measuring their words, knowing how to keep quiet, preserving secrets and enduring pain in silence." Excerpt from Masques du N'tomo, Marc Ladreit de Lacharrière Collection, Musée du Quai Branly Jacques Chirac, France. The Bambara, or Bamana, live in central and southern Mali. Their name means “unbeliever” and was given to them by the Muslims. Animists, they believe in the existence of a creator god called Ngala, who maintains the order of the universe and coexists with another androgynous god called Faro, master of the Word, who gave all qualities to mankind and makes the fruits of the earth grow. Traditional Bamana art objects are closely linked to agrarian rites. The Bamana dance these masks during initiation and circumcision ceremonies for young boys in the Ntomo society. The face, with its vertical outgrowths at the top, adopts geometric features beneath a rounded forehead, including an imposing busted nose, as the Bamana favor this organ in their statuary as it evokes sociability and clan cohesion. Indeed, during choreography, the dancer frequently touches the nose of the mask. As teaching aids for candidates, masks from societies accessible to young boys and adults, such as the N'tomo, Korè and Ci wara...

A very pleasing Ciwara crest, singularly small and accompanied by its original headdress, depicting a stylized antelope leaning on a pangolin. The antelope is ridden by a woman, and white horsehair has been added to the tips of the horns. The piece is carefully sculpted, with notches decorating the bodies of the antelope and the pangolin. Rattan, plant fiber, cowries, wood Very fine velvety mat patina, Circa 1950 An animal called Ciwara is said to have taught the Bambara how to cultivate the land, and during agrarian ceremonies, they recall the myth through the stylized representation of an antelope whose name ci wara...

Ancient Fiji Islands Flat Serving Bowl or Platter 19th century, made of very dense hardwood with deep patina, and expected wear on bottom. Two small opposing holes for suspension. B...

This hand crafted and tribal engraved bowl originates from Nias Island Indonesia. It features tribal motifs along the rim and a beautiful hand hewn texture along its basin. It is cra...

Originally collected in the Solomon Islands in 1938, this one of a kind treasure from the south pacific comes from a private oceanic collection. This is a Solomon Islands Santa Cruz hand carved figure called a Duka, circa 1930s. It was carved in an extremely hard native wood and features a finely carved, unusual extended conical head, a handwoven loin cloth and turmeric encrustation. For your convenience, many of our photographs were taken in natural day light which accurately illuminate surface areas depicting original dark patina that you would expect from an important early carving such as this one. We will include a complimentary custom wood display base that you see photographed. Dimensions: 21.25 inches high Provenance: collected in l938 and originally acquired by a visiting French collecting tourist in the Solomon Islands then to dealer and Texas collector and to our private collection in year 2000 so could have been a specially crafted fine 1930s tourist sculpture piece for the visiting French tourist. History: Duka sculpture from Nendo Island, politically part of the Solomon Islands, is distinctive, and only a limited number of works have been documented. The conical extension at the back of the head represents a man's hairstyle. Called abe, its construction and shape was a symbol of wealth and high social status, and for older men, it also served the practical purpose of covering bald spots. All Nendo figure refer to deities or supernatural beings (Ellis: 2009, pp. 78-85) Auction sale: Bonhams Auctions April 28, 2015 sale. Exceptional Lime Container...

Santa Cruz, Nendö, late 19th/early 20th century Retaining an original leaf in which these coils were wrapped. L. 72 cm (stretched out) Diam. 34 cm (roll) One of the most remarkabl...