Adze

Boiken, Papua New Guinea
19th Century
Provenance: Private Collection

Hand held Adzes were used for carving wooden objects. This example, from the Boiken is stone carved with two stylized ancestor heads at the heel and a plaited rattan binding secured to the wooden haft. The blade is made out of shell and exhibits a beautiful marbled patina. The two ancestor heads, in profile, are asymmetrical, connect by a domed cap. However, the faces are very different. While one slopes downward with a prominent brow, small nose and pursed mouth the other is in contrast, with an upturned gaze, large nose, and prominent nostrils.

Height: 20 in.
IN 11-9-15 / SOLD