Eastern Highlands Bat Belt-Jolika Collection New Guinea Art-Oceanic Art
This is a man’s loincloth from the Kamano or Awa people of Papua New Guinea’s Eastern Highlands. What is most striking about this is the carved wooden wedge-shaped flying fox section that covered the penis. This example is ancient with a serrated top edge and a thick dark patina. The waist belt is beautifully and tightly constructed with a rich red/brown patina as well. The piece comes from the Jolika Collection of Marcia and John Friede, ex. Chris Boylan and is illustrated in the massive and definitive book “New Guinea Highlands: Art from the Jolika Collection” Fig. 11.27A, page 258. It dates to the early 20th century, is 17” (43.2 cm) as mounted and sells for $3800.