North Coast New Guinea Neckrest
Here is an ancient north coast New Guinea neckrest with a Janus female ancestral figure as support. I love that the figure is decidedly female, apparently old and in the hocker birthing position—so all about strength, abundance and respect. The carving is well worn with a brown glossy patina. This is one I sold early in my career and has been in the same California collection the last 22 years. It dates to the late 19th/early 20th century, is 5 ¾” (14.5 cm) in height and sells for $7500.