Canoe Prow

Lower Sepik River, Murik Lakes PNG
19th Century

This Murik lakes canoe prow is a sculptural marvel. The image is of an animal morphing seamlessly into a stylized human figure. The conception is surreal and dramatic. The body of the figure has great tension and the overall quality of the prow is exceptional. The object has a very old deep patina from age and use. There are areas of loss on the ‘animal’ portion of the figure; but this does not take away from the beauty of the object.

This canoe prow is 24 inches in length.

SOLD / IN2033