Ramu River Paddle Finial

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Ramu River Paddle Finial

Galerie Meyer-Oceanic Art

Period 19th/20th century

Origin Ramu River, PNG, Melanesia

Medium Hard wood

Dimension 18.5 x 5 x 4 cm (7¹/₄ x 2 x 1⁵/₈ inches)

A very powerfully carved ancestral figure that was once the finial of a canoe paddle. The figure wears a tall pointed hair-do or headdress that is superbly carved with a form of wavy ornamentation representing open-armed figures or open-winged birds (bats ?). The figure shows a strong and well archictured musculature. The down cast, bearded is face built around the large elongated curled nose that reaches to the figures waist. The genitals are unsually well defined. Hard wood with a very fine deep reddish patina of age and wear. Acquired from the French trade.

Period: 19th/20th century

Origin: Ramu River, PNG, Melanesia

Medium: Hard wood

Dimension: 18.5 x 5 x 4 cm (7¹/₄ x 2 x 1⁵/₈ inches)

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