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Hôtel des Ventes de Troyes
16
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Ceremonial bowl Ramu River, Papua New Guinea
Materials: Carv…
See original version (French)
16
-
Ceremonial bowl Ramu River, Papua New Guinea
Materials: Carv…
See original version (French)
Estimate €100 - €200
Voluntary lot
Description
Ceremonial bowl Ramu River, Papua New Guinea
Materials: Carved wood with old patina.
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 work is recorded in a field notebook under reference A.30 (5), dated 1994, with the words: "Plat, Borai, Ramu (E)". This probably refers to the village of Boroi in the Ramu valley, Madang province, Papua New Guinea.
Dimensions: H. 53 cm.
This remarkable carved wooden bowl comes from the Ramu River region, one of the most important artistic centres in Papua New Guinea. Its deeply carved oval shape, combined with a border finely decorated with incised motifs and carved ends, testifies to particularly meticulous workmanship.
Objects of this type were used for ceremonies, feasts or ritual exchanges, where they were used to present food or offerings. The patina of use, the ancient traces of use and the balance of proportions give this piece a remarkable presence.
Ancient bowls from the Ramu basin are among the most sought-after examples of Oceanic art. Pieces preserving the quality of the carving, the authentic patina and the documented provenance are particularly prized by collectors and institutions specialising in the arts of Melanesia.
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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