Celt-Handelsobjekt in Neuguinea. - Deckel - Humboldt-Bucht - West Papua (Ohne Mindestpreis)

Massive Jade (Nephrite) Stone Celt – Trade Object – Papua New Guinea – Field Collected 1990

Description:super-sized stone celt made of fine jade (nephrite), originating from Papua New Guinea.
Such large blades were once treasured as prestige or trade objects, exchanged to seal alliances or demonstrate status. Though often called “axes,” they were mainly symbolic and never used as tools.

This impressive example measures 29 cm in length and is heavy and dense, with a deep green mineral tone and smooth polish. Collected in 1990 by Koos Knol in a small coastal hamlet — excellent field provenance and great authenticity.

A rare and important Oceanic artefact with exceptional presence.

Origin: Papua New Guinea (coastal region)
Material: Jade / Nephrite
Period: Probably 19th–early 20th century
Collected: 1990, field collection by Koos Knol
Condition: Excellent, with minor surface wear consistent with age
Dimensions: Length 29 cm; heavy
Shipping: Registered and insured

A true collector’s piece — powerful, elegant, and steeped in Oceanic history.
We pack with care, sending all over the world for 35 years already

A must have for collectors, ethnographers, ethnologists, anthropologists and museums

Sold by Koos Knol, ethnographer and anthropologist, dealer of Papua Tribal Art for more than 30 years, expert and author of the book “Papua Blues”, written in Dutch. (Maybe in English next year.)  Published end of October 2024
A book about inside stories, a book that deals with the many encounters with special people in West Papua, the impressive experiences that the author has, about special encounters with men and women who tell him about secret things, about ethnographic objects and initiate him into the rituals and ceremonies.
A must have for collectors, ethnographers, ethnologists, anthropologists and museums

Google: Papua Blues Koos Knol