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Overview
A vintage carved wood vessel from the Sepik River region of Papua New Guinea, with its wooden beater. It is long and rectangular, with an open top divided into two compartments by a center bridge. One end is carved as a human face beneath a projecting crest, and the other as a smaller animal head, with a twisted plant-fiber handle tied between them. Both long sides have relief carving painted in red-brown, white and black. One side shows a stylized face with four large oval eyes, spirals and a central nose, and the other shows chevron-filled eye shapes and spiral bands. The lower part of the body is left as bare wood. It would suit a console, credenza, wide shelf or hearth.
Background
The Sepik River region is known for its painted relief carving, with spirals, eye forms and animal heads in red, white and black. This piece came from an estate auction in Washington, DC. It is unsigned and unmarked. It is carved from heavy hardwood, and the inside shows hand-tool marks. The turned beater has a shaped grip.
Condition
Good vintage condition with age wear. There is an age crack running across the upper left eye on the face side, and the wood has small drying checks. The paint is rubbed and faded in places, especially on the heads and rim. The fiber handle is dry and slightly frayed but firmly attached. Please see all photos.
Dimensions & Weight
The vessel is 9.5 x 28 x 6 inches (H x W x D), including the end heads. The beater is 23.5 inches long. Together they weigh about 17 lb.
Shipping
Free standard shipping within the US, packed securely.
