Set of Papuan Gulf Marind Anim Marupai Coconut Charms
You have to love the small coconut charms from the Papuan Gulf area. In the eastern Gulf these are known as marupai. Here I have three with the center one a classic marupai but the right and left are from the Marind Anim culture well to the west of the Papuan Gulf and are much, much rarer. On the left, is a larger Marind Anim example that is 4 5/8” (11.6 cm) long, dates to the early 20th century, is ex. NY collection, with an old label reading “Yeneva, Vill.13-82 5c. This one is sold. Middle marupai is ex. collection of Georges Lonneux, a Belgium artist and furniture designer based in Liege, is 4-5/8" (11.6 cm) in height, dates to the early 20th century and sells for $1600. On the right is an ancient small Marind Anim coconut charm that is 3 ¼” (8.3 cm) in length and comes from the Aldo van Eyck Collection, Rotterdam. It dates to the mid/late 19th century and sells for $1450.