People: Papuan Gulf
Papua New Guinea
L: 22 ¾"
The drum with tympanum intact, the handle of woven split cane, the body with deep reddish lustrous patina, terminating in a stylized shark mouth, completely carved, with classical Papuan Gulf design elements the central faces on either side with hooks and spiral motifs, and remains of red, black, and white pigment, minor cracks, some traditionally repaired, overall intact, this drum appears to be stone-carved. A superb example, on a custom base.
Provenance: Estate of Josefa Carlebach; Julius Carlebach, New York prior to 1960 (Inv: 27941/66); Ingeborg de Beausacq, New York; Collected by George Craig, prior to 1955