Vanuatu Fernwood Grade Ritual Figure, Ambrym Island

Early carved wood tribally used Mangbetu ritual vessel, from the Congo, Africa. Ritual vessel in the form of a wood pitcher with handle, expressive face with scarifications, organic ...

Early to mid-20th century woven fiber and palm leaf conical hat with two vertical painted stripes on the front, from Mornigton Island, Queensland, Austral...

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...

15th Century or Earlier Redware Tangas, Marajoara culture, Marajo Island, Brazil Tangas are thin concave triangular ceramic pubic covers found in burial mounds associated with fem...

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...

Large Yoruba Ritual Shrine figure Abeokuta Nigeria African Tribal Art A rare exceptionally large male Cup bearer ritual shrine figure standing upright holding a cup in front carv...

Carved wood Akuaba, sometimes known as an Ashanti doll or a Fanti doll. Untouched condition with a beautiful natural age-related patina. Akua'ba (sometim...

Ivory Coast, African handcarved wooden flute, used for ceremonial performances. Used to evoke the spirits presence into community rituals. Beautiful decorative object, that measures ...