Hair Ornament

Iatmul tribe, Middle Sepik River, PNG
late 19th century

This early and rare ornament was worn in the hair of ceremonial dancers. It has two carved faces with stylized bird motifs as eyes and arms. A wonderful, surreal sculpture, this ornament was originally acquired from Mak Von Waay auctioneers in Amsterdam in 1960. It has an old inventory number 812 painted in white. Carved from light weight wood. Natural pigments intact.

SOLD / IN 84