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Hôtel des Ventes de Troyes
11
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- Pair of coconut bowls - Papua New Guinea - 15 / 13 cm
Prov…
See original version (French)
11
-
- Pair of coconut bowls - Papua New Guinea - 15 / 13 cm
Prov…
See original version (French)
Estimate €150 - €200
Voluntary lot
Description
- Pair of coconut bowls - Papua New Guinea - 15 / 13 cm
Provenance: Former Guy Seghers collection (Belgium). Collected in Papua New Guinea between the 1970s and 1980s during scientific missions linked to the Leopold III Biological Station on Laing Island. Archives and period photographs preserved.
Made from carefully hollowed coconut shells, these two bowls come from the Sepik region, one of the major centres of artistic creation in Oceania. Each features an elegant arched handle carved from the shell and a rich engraved decoration covering the upper part of the vessel. The curvilinear and geometric motifs, executed with remarkable mastery, evoke the ornamental repertoire specific to Sepik societies, where decorative forms frequently refer to the world of ancestors, spirits and clan traditions. The surfaces show an ancient patina and regular wear, reflecting prolonged use. In addition to their utilitarian function, these objects illustrate the essential role played by the everyday arts in Sepik cultures, where even the most modest objects were invested with a genuine aesthetic and symbolic dimension.
See original version (French)
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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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