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LOT 2140
New Guinea Woven Cowrie Marriage Headdress
19TH-20TH CENTURY A.D.
32 1/2 in. (2 kg total, 82 cm including stand).
A long open ambuusap of closely woven fibre cords with small cowrie shells sewn to the outer surfaces in lines, terminating at the base in a crocodile head; typical of work from the Siakulen Blackwater Lakes region in Sepik Province; with a custom-made display stand. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceAcquired 1970s-1990s.
Ex property of an American gentleman.
Cf. Biebuyck D and Van den Abbeele, N., The Power of Headdresses, Brussels, 1984, p.228, pl.182, for similar and discussion.
FootnotesThese elaborate headdresses were worn by women on ceremonial occasions, such as marriage.
CONDITIONTimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process
AUCTIONS:
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African Terracotta Bead Group
12th century A.D. or laterSold for (Inc. bp): £20
Restrung; composed of cream, beige and umber-coloured ribbed terracotta beads with some cylindrical beads. 61 grams total, 68-73 cm long
UK gallery, early 2000s.
There are in Africa two main different beads used for the nacklaces: the mangour and the rougad-el-fagah. The first is a round glass bead exported from Galilee, green, or yellow, or black and speckled. The rougad-el-fagah is larger, smoother and more beautiful. The mangour is about the size of an ordinary nut and the rougad-el-fagah of a larger nut. Both are of terracotta covered with a glaze like that of faience. But the rougad-el-fagah is of more perfect work, better glazed and looks most agreeable and expensive. The mangour is rough, crinkled on the surface and grossly glazed. It is also sold cheap. -
Very Large West African Standing Wooden Tribal Figure
19th-20th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £143
With crested hairstyle and shell eyes, hands on the hips, socket to the chest. 3.4 kg, 83 cm
Fair condition.
Acquired before 2000. Collection of an American lady living in London. -
West African Tribal Wooden Spice Jar
19th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £13
Barrel-shaped body with slight taper, iron band to the rim, fatter and thinner raised bands carved equidistantly around the body; facetted inner face. 699 grams, 12.6 cm high
Acquired in 2010. Private collection of Mr N.J., Leicester, UK.
