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Bruce Frank Primitive Art
New York City, NY
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Lime Container Stopper

Iatmul, Middle Sepik River region, Papua New Guinea, 19th century

Provenance: John and Marcia Friede, Rye, NY. Similar example published: Dr. Otto Reche. 1913. “Der Kaiserin-August-A-Fluss”. p. 261, abb. 275. Bamboo lime containers were used for the consumption of betel nut in Papua New Guinea. The stopper to such containers were usually made out of wood and carved into the shape of an animal. This particular stopper is in the shape of a crocodile, a very important ancestral totem.  The top of the stopper has been carved into the head of the crocodile, while the lateral shape of the wood has been utilized to create the illusion of its body. A stylized scale pattern decorates the stopper, ending in the form of a dual ancestor face, visible on the front and back. Its original braided fiber attachment that is woven around the object is in excellent condition.

Lime Container Stopper

Iatmul, Middle Sepik River region, Papua New Guinea, 19th century

Provenance: John and Marcia Friede, Rye, NY. Similar example published: Dr. Otto Reche. 1913. “Der Kaiserin-August-A-Fluss”. p. 261, abb. 275. Bamboo lime containers were used for the consumption of betel nut in Papua New Guinea. The stopper to such containers were usually made out of wood and carved into the shape of an animal. This particular stopper is in the shape of a crocodile, a very important ancestral totem.  The top of the stopper has been carved into the head of the crocodile, while the lateral shape of the wood has been utilized to create the illusion of its body. A stylized scale pattern decorates the stopper, ending in the form of a dual ancestor face, visible on the front and back. Its original braided fiber attachment that is woven around the object is in excellent condition.

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