Pigment Dish

Iatmul, middle Sepik River, Papua New Guinea
19th Century

Provenance: Lorenz Eckhardt, Switzerland

This small wooden dish is stone carved, with the head and tail of a crocodile on opposite ends, serving as handles. Easily handheld, the exterior of the bowl is covered in circular geometric patterns. Most likely used for body paints, remnants of red and white pigments are visible in the recesses of the carvings.

Length: 7.25 inches
IN. 3-8-16 / SALE $1800

 

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