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Hôtel des Ventes de Troyes

10 - Pigment bowl - Sepik River - Papua New Guinea Dimensions: H.
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Estimate €150 - €300
Sale commission
Description
Pigment bowl - Sepik River - Papua New Guinea Dimensions: H. 15 cm. Provenance: Former Guy Seghers collection (Belgium). Collected in Papua New Guinea between 1970 and 1980 during scientific missions linked to the Leopold III Biological Station on Laing Island. Archives and period photographs preserved. The object consists of a flared bowl resting on a sculpted pedestal. Two stylised heads, placed back to back, form the side handles and contribute to the overall balance of the composition. Their long, curved beaks evoke the bird or spirit figures frequently found in Sepik iconography, while the almond-shaped eyes and engraved decoration reinforce the symbolic nature of the whole. The central shaft is adorned with incised geometric motifs and vertical decorative bands reminiscent of the body drawings, scarification marks and architectural ornamentation seen in the ceremonial houses of the region. The black-brown patina, slightly satin-finished from handling, highlights the quality of the sculpture and the elegance of the volumes. The inside of the bowl retains significant whitish deposits, most likely residues of lime or pigments used in ritual preparations. In many Sepik societies, such vessels were used to contain substances for body adornment, initiation ceremonies or various customary practices. Provenance: Provenance: Former Guy Seghers collection (Belgium). Collected in Papua New Guinea between 1970 and 1980 during scientific missions linked to the Leopold III Biological Station on Laing Island. Archives and period photographs preserved.
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About the sale ARTS OF AFRICA & OCEANIA: Three exceptional family collections
Auction location
Auction time 06/22/2026 at 2:00 PM
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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