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Fine Aboriginal & Oceanic Art — Theodore Bruce Auctioneers & Valuers

Auction House:Theodore Bruce Auctioneers & ValuersNumber of lots recorded:273
Sale Title:Fine Aboriginal & Oceanic ArtLots with images:273
Auction Location:SydneyPrices available:260
Date:4-Jun-2017
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An old canoe prow, profusely carved, incorporating hornbill, fish, and stone axe motifs, mounted on custom metal stand, Asmat region West Papua. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, height 76 cm
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A hardwood set of house steps, showing signs of use and weathering, steel mounted, Africa. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, height 145 cm
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A Waskuk Mina figure, elongated phallic nose, exaggerated breasts, mounted on steel stand, upper Sepik Region PNG. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, height 142 cm
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A Lumi shield, with heavily incised pattern on face and two sets of rattan binding, of weathered appearance, collection # 779195. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, height 122 cm
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Two large Boiken food platters, with incised design on base, one with cracks and showing signs of previous native repair. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, diameter 67 - 72 cm
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An ancestral figure, heavily weathered with minor cracks and chips, one ear missing, base showing evidence of being attached to a building, West Papua. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, height 100 cm
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A Waskuk figure, heavily weathered, remnants of ochre on face, head exhibiting signs of water damage. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, height 109 cm
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An ancestral figure, of weathered appearance in hardwood with profuse carving to base and stylised lizard headdress. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, height 141 cm
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An ancestral figure, in the form of male figure, hardwood with extensive weathering, damage to base A/F, New Guinea . Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, height 101 cm
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A garden marker, heavily weathered with arms curled up on torso, shells inserted in eyes and navel, some damage to feet A/F, Sulawesi Indonesia. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, height 79 cm
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A Bilum hook, suspension hook used for holding bilum bags in traditional houses, with faced carved on one side, rattan binding, collection # 77936, Kandangai village Sepik river PNG. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, height 52 cm
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A Bilum hook, in the form of a nursing woman with baby in her arms, large lug on top of head for suspension, middle Sepik river region PNG. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, height 85 cm
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A Minja figure, carved wood with natural ochre decoration and cowrie eyes, Washkuk area, Sepik river region PNG. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, height 77 cm
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An ancestral mask, of weathered appearance with traces of natural earth pigment, Korogo village, Sepik river PNG. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, height 61 cm
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An ancestral mask, with prominent face in centre, shell eyes, profusely carved in traditional designs, Sepik river region PNG. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, height 73 cm
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A Trobriand skirt Making board, used to impress traditional designs onto the grass used in the making of skirts, hardwood with deep patina, one side heavily incised, Trobriand Islands PNG. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, length 55 cm
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A Gope board, weathered appearance, traditional design incised in face with remnants of natural earth pigment, Papuan Gulf region PNG. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, height 71 cm
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A Mwai mask, weathered appearance with elongated nose structure surrounded by holes for the attachment of grass decoration, Tambanum village, Sepik river PNG. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, height 81 cm
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A food platter, finely incised design to base, Sentani Lakes, West Papua. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, length 66 cm
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An April river canoe prow, extensively carved in traditional form, April river, upper Sepik river region PNG. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, length 78 cm
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A food platter, carved in hardwood in the form of a crocodile, prominent eyes, middle Sepik river region PNG. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, length 115 cm
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An ancestral mask, weathered appearance, wear marks to forehead, signs of insect damage and of use, Tambanum village, Sepik river PNG. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, height 87 cm
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A Sabi mask, weathered appearance, prominent lug to top. This type of mask used as part of a canoe prow shield during traditional warfare, Tambanum village, Sepik river PNG. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, height 68 cm
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A Minja figure, wooden figure profusely carved on torso, prominent sex, remnant ochre decoration, some damage to feet A/F, Waskuk area Sepik river region PNG. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, height 114 cm
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A pair of garden Markers, of heavily weathered appearance, in the form of ancestral figures, with spike base for attachment to mounting, Indonesia. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, height 52 - 59 cm
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A Sago Grub platter and fretwork sculpture, platter with profusely carved and decorated base exhibiting classic Asmat stylised fruit bat design with bust at finial, Asmat region, West Papua. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, length 58 - 61 cm
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A large Kokomo, in hardwood with the hornbill being prominent, natural earth pigment design, used as part of the yam fertility festival, Abelam people, Maprik region, East Sepik Province, PNG. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, height 91 cm
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An ancestral figure, in dark hardwood, glossy patina and glass eyes, Indonesia. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, height 34 cm
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A Papuan Gulf Kundu drum, skin missing, rattan binding intact, prominent elongated gaping mouth. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, height 69 cm
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A Kundu drum, with hide skin intact, carved in the style of Sentani Lakes with eliptical spiral, handle affixed, Sentani Lakes, West Papua. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, height 44 cm
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An early Kundu drum, water lizard skin intact, deep dark patina overall, portion missing to base, long lateral crack, New Guinea . Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, height 48 cm
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A Telefomin Kundu drum, with original lizard skin intact, base with incised design, decorated with natural earth ochres, patina and signs of use to barrel, minor chips to base. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, height 94 cm
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A Kundu drum, with skin missing, incised design to base in the form of two faces, decorated with red and white ochre, minor chips and signs of abrasion from use, Papuan Gulf region PNG. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, height 90 cm
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A Kundu drum, with water lizard skin intact, striking design to base in the form of myriad ancestral faces, incised and decorated with natural pigments. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, height 60 cm
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A Kundu drum, lizard skin intact, old patina throughout, classic open mouth form, incised pattern of multiple faces, decorated in natural ochres, damage to one side of base. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, height 96 cm
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An ancestral drum, skin missing, handle exhibiting patina from use, two bands of incised traditional design, Asmat West Papua. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, height 114 cm
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A Kundu drum, lizard skin with perforations, base in classic gaping yawn form, with profusely incised and decorated designs of an interlocking series of faces. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, height 85 cm
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An ancestral drum, lizard skin intact with rattan binding, body of drum profusely carved in traditional interlocking Asmat design, dark deep patina, with cane handle, exhibiting patina from use, Asmat region, West Papua. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, height 84 cm
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A Kundu drum, water lizard skin intact, in classic hour-glass form, Highlands region PNG. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, height 69 cm
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A Kundu drum, on wooden base, old patina, classic gaping mouth form, incised motif, decorated with natural pigments, Papuan Gulf region. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, height 92 cm
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A Kundu drum, lizard skin intact, profusely carved in traditional ancestral motif, patina on handle from use, Asmat region West Papua. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, height 99 cm
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A Kundu drum, lizard skin damaged, base incised and painted with natural ochres, Papuan Gulf region PNG. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, height 114 cm
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A Kundu drum, skin damaged, deep glossy patina all over, Highlands region PNG. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, height 58 cm
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A Kundu drum, skin intact, dark patina with incised motif, north Coast, West Papua. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, height 46 cm
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A Kundu drum, skin intact, incised motif, damage to one side, Sepik river region PNG. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, height 42 cm
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A Kundu drum, skin intact, incised with traditional designs to base and middle, old native repair, Sepik Region PNG. Provenance: Dr John Yu and Dr George Soutter collection, height 53 cm
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A Yina figure, crack to face A/F, purchased 1979, Waskuk region, upper Sepik PNG. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, height 88 cm
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An ancestral figure, mirrored arching protrusions over face, East Sepik Province PNG. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, height 122 cm
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A war shield, with ochre decoration to face, Mendi area, highlands PNG. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, height 120 cm
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An ancestral mask, Japandai village, Sepik river PNG. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, length 52 cm
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Two stools in the form of mythical Creatures, one from Yentsuamungua village, the other Sortmeri village. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, length 58 - 62 cm
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A Korwar-style figure, in the form of an ancestral figure standing behind a fretwork frieze, heavily weathered, Indonesia. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, height 35 cm
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Two Yipwon figures, weathered form with exaggerated ribs and elongated headdress, Karawari river, East Sepik Province PNG. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, length 82 - 83 cm
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A Yipwon figure, in hardwood with extensively weathered appearance, exaggerated rib form around navel, in the Sepik region people believe the naval is the central element of bodily strength, Karawari river, East Sepik Province PNG. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, length 128 cm
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A wall plaque, of striking traditional design, crack to one side, May river, upper Sepik region PNG. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, 130 x 87 cm
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Three ancestral flutes with Stoppers, bamboo flute barrels with profusely carved stoppers in the form of ancestral bird figures, one from Indabau village purchased 1977, others from middle Sepik region PNG. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, length 61 - 93 cm
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An ancestral figure, with elongated nose which traditionally resulted from the inconsolable tears caused by the grief ancestral spirits felt on killing the first crocodile, wood with natural ochre decoration and fibre bindings, Sangriwa village, Blackwater river, East Sepik Province PNG. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, height 72 cm
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An ancestral bird in heavy wood with Cowrie eyes, damage to object in bird's beak, possibly a canoe prow. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, length 62 cm
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A dance club, in good condition with finely executed design, lugs on both sides with sennit bindings, old lateral cracks, San Cristobal Island, Solomon Islands. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, length 108 cm
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A female Asmat ancestral figure, in squatting form on wooden base, with exaggerated feet and hand to chin, painted with white and red ochre, Asmat region, West Papua. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, height 48 cm
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A male ancestral figure, in the form of an ancestral man standing atop an elaborate ancestral being, collection # 880170, Asmat region, West Papua. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, height 68 cm
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A canoe prow, in the form of a male figure entwined with an elaborate ancestral being, traces of ochre, Asmat region, West Papua. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, length 83 cm
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An Asmat canoe prow, in the form of a male figure with two stylised ancestral creatures, weathered from use, Asmat region, West Papua. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, length 110 cm
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A Bilum hook, in open fretwork form, weathered appearance, fruit bat head to base and cowrie shell eyes, middle Sepik region PNG. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, length 106 cm
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An ancestral carving, in very heavy wood, in the form of a figure reclining, one shell eye missing, minor chips, Timbunke village, Sepik river PNG. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, length 50 cm
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An ancestral figure, of two entwined male figures, residual white ochre, minor cracks A/F, Asmat region, West Papua. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, height 99 cm
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A gable mask, woven fibre with ochre, Blackwater river PNG. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, length 55 cm
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An ancestral figure, of weathered appearance, remnants of white ochre on face, cowrie shell eyes, Kanangra village, Blackwater river, Sepik region PNG. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, height 72 cm
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An ancestral figure, origin unknown. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, height 57 cm
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A cane ladder, of woven rattan construction, Dayak people, Borneo. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, height 183 cm
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A bamboo ladder, with split in base for stability, Dayak people, Borneo. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, height 199 cm
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A bamboo ladder, with split in base for stability, Dayak people, Borneo. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, height 174 cm
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A female ancestral figure, in squatting form with malevolent expression, human hair on head and decorated with cowrie shells, plastic buttons and woven fibre binding, Japandai village, Sepik river region PNG. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, height 60 cm
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A canoe prow, of weathered appearance from use, Murik Lakes, lower Sepik river region PNG. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, length 37 cm
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An ancestral figure, in hunched form, base weathered, Astrolabe Bay, PNG. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, height 48 cm
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A pair of Cassowary woven figures, of woven rattan fabric over cane structure with cowrie shell eyes, Tambanum village, Sepik river PNG. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, height 72 - 80 cm
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An ancestral figure, on custom metal stand, of weathered appearance, profusely carved facial extrusions, Ramu river, Sepik region PNG. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, height 72 cm
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Two ancestral figures, one in the form of a spirit creature missing back legs, the other in a form of an ancestral being A/F, PNG. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, length 63 - 131 cm
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A cult hook, collection number F1099/17848, Hunstein Ranges, upper Sepik region PNG. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, length 106 cm
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A male ancestral figure, with incised markings to face, origin unknown. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, height 49 cm
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A canoe board, showing signs of wear from use, cracks to front A/F, collection # 118045, Murik Lakes, lower Sepik region PNG. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, length 42 cm
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A Splashboard, with incised traditional designs, wear consistent with considerable use, Trobriand Islands PNG. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, height 53 cm
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A Splashboard, incised with twin spiralling traditional designs, wear consistent with considerable use, Trobriand Islands PNG. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, height 63 cm
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Two ancestral figures, Sepik region PNG. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, height 40 - 63 cm
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A canoe prow, worn from use, with stylised ancestral motif, Asmat region, West Papua. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, length 51 cm
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A canoe prow in the form of a bird figure, with slight damage to snout, collection # 127848, Sepik region, PNG. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, length 72 cm
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A canoe prow, of heavily worn appearance consistent with use, Murik Lakes, lower Sepik river PNG. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, length 51 cm
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A roof finial figure, of a male figure with upswept arms and bird crouched on back, portion of arm and cross missing, of weathered appearance consistent with use A/F, ex Christensen collection # CC60916, Sepik river region PNG. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, height 79 cm
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A canoe prow, on steel stand, of weathered appearance consistent with use, in the form of two ancestral faces, Murik Lakes region, lower Sepik river PNG. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, height 58 cm
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An ancestral figure, on custom steel stand, signs of wear, collection # 748, Waskuk region, PNG. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, height 35 cm
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An ancestral mask, showing signs of use, damage to mouth, collection # 68225, Yuat river, Sepik region PNG. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, length 32 cm
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Two stools, one from Tambanum village collection # 127718415, the other Yenchen village collection # 1277183019. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, diameter 23 L 54 cm
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A female ancestral figure, in squatting form, on wooden base, middle Sepik region PNG. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, height 56 cm
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An old canoe prow, incised with traditional designs on both sides and a figurative head at the apex, Sarmi region, West Papua. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, length 34 cm
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A Keram river ancestral figure, in classic form with elongated nose joining genitals, mounted on wooden stand, Sepik region PNG. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, height 7 cm
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A Yangaru ancestral figure, of graceful form, traces of natural red ochre on torso, lower portions of arms and body missing, mounted on wooden stand, East Sepik Province PNG. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, height 59 cm
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An early Papuan Gulf Implement, in hardwood with incised motif, decorated with pipeclay, old patina, Papuan Gulf region PNG. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, length 60 cm
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A Ramu river ancestral figure, in classic form with protrusions on face, mounted on custom steel stand, repair to top protuberance, East Sepik Province, PNG. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, height 97 cm
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A flute mask, elaborate carved design decorated with natural earth ochres, designed to be strapped to a flute during ceremony, on custom metal stand, Ramu river, East Sepik Province PNG. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, height 47 cm
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A Bilum hook, with two black ducks, decorated with cowrie shell eyes and fibre tassels, mounted on custom metal stand, collection # 127718P1613, Indabu village, Sepik river region PNG. Provenance: The Dr George Soutter and Dr John Yu collection, height 51 cm
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