Tami Island Ladle, New Guinea Art, Oceanic Art, Ethnographic Spoon, Tribal Art
It would be hard to accurately date this ancient Huon Gulf scoop. The style of the face that tapers to a point suggests 19th century and from the mainland opposite Tami Island in Morobe Province, Papua New Guinea. The patina is thick, black, encrusted with glossy highlights showing through. The circular top is the form of a fully-round boar’s tusk considered an important sign of wealth. Notice one edge of the scoop has been broken off generations ago. The piece comes from an old Florida collection, is 21” (53.3 cm) in length and sells for $1500. Questions?