Tribal objects - Papua New Guinea

Ethnographic Objects – Papua New Guinea
The first half of the 20th century.

Ceremonial axe, Highlands – Papua New Guinea
Engraved wood, iron blade. Length 48 cm.

Prestige axe from the Central Highlands, with a forged iron blade featuring a double lateral extension—one straight and one curved. The hardwood handle bears a rich incised geometric decoration, typical of the groups in the Wahgi/Chimbu regions. An object intended for ceremonies and male dances, not for everyday use. Dark, uniform patina.

Provenance: European private collection.
Condition: good, wear consistent with age.

2. Ritual dagger with an anthropomorphic head, Sepik area – Papua New Guinea
Carved wood. Length 16 cm

Small ritual object carved from dark wood, with an anthropomorphic figure characterized by an elongated face, a prominent nose, and incised eyes, in a style associated with the central Sepik groups (Iatmul/Abelam). Slender body and a tapered tip, likely used ceremonially or as a symbolic tool in initiatory contexts. Beautiful patina from handling.

Provenance: European private collection.
Condition: fair; minor defects and wear consistent with age.

3. War hammer or prestige mace, Highlands – Papua New Guinea
Carved hardwood. 43 cm

Traditional mace from the Central Highlands, with a solid globular head carved from a single piece of hard wood. An emblematic instrument of warrior culture and the display of male prestige, used both in traditional combat and during ceremonial dances. Dark patina and surfaces smoothed from use.

Provenance: European private collection.
Condition: good.