Lot 806* ♣ - A207 Out of This World - Monday, 04. December 2023, 04.00 PM
PAINTED SAWFISH ROSTRUM
Papua New Guinea
Circa 1890–1920
L 75 cm (not including stand)
Circa 1890–1920
L 75 cm (not including stand)
For the exportation of this item a CITES license is required. Prospective buyers should familiarize themselves with relevant customs regulations prior to bidding if they intend to import this lot into another country. For further information please contact the department.
The sawfish is a shark-like animal that sports its namesake ‘saw’, a greatly elongated, flat rostrum that is studded on either side with a row of uniform sawtooth-like teeth. These animals are common throughout much of the Indo-Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, but they also swim several hundred kilometres into the lower reaches of large rivers in Papua New Guinea. These areas are also home to the Iatmul, an ethnic community. The Iatmul dwell along the middle Sepik River in the East Sepik Province. Their habitat includes several autonomous villages. Since their settlement area in the alluvial plain is often submerged for months, they build their houses on stilts and get around mainly by canoe.
The art of the Iatmul is known as one of the most refined and sophisticated in Papua New Guinea. Utensils, tools as well as ritual art objects are traditionally made by the men of the clan. With pride, they create objects such as this painted sawfish rostrum, made from one of the fish native to the rivers of this region. This prestigious tool, used as a weapon, finds its source in a complex and spiritual culture strongly influenced by fantastical myths and folk legends.
The object presented here is in unusually good condition, complete with all parts, including all rostral teeth distributed along its entire length. The detailed decorations of the Iatmul, made with natural pigments, are clearly visible and wonderfully preserved. This specimen clearly owes its rarity to the masterful craftsmanship of the Iatmul and is therefore an extremely rare functional work of art originating from a fascinating culture.
The art of the Iatmul is known as one of the most refined and sophisticated in Papua New Guinea. Utensils, tools as well as ritual art objects are traditionally made by the men of the clan. With pride, they create objects such as this painted sawfish rostrum, made from one of the fish native to the rivers of this region. This prestigious tool, used as a weapon, finds its source in a complex and spiritual culture strongly influenced by fantastical myths and folk legends.
The object presented here is in unusually good condition, complete with all parts, including all rostral teeth distributed along its entire length. The detailed decorations of the Iatmul, made with natural pigments, are clearly visible and wonderfully preserved. This specimen clearly owes its rarity to the masterful craftsmanship of the Iatmul and is therefore an extremely rare functional work of art originating from a fascinating culture.
CHF 1 500 / 2 500 | (€ 1 550 / 2 580)
Sold for CHF 1 500 (including buyer’s premium)
All information is subject to change.