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Hôtel des Ventes de Troyes
23
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- Ompi spoon - Markham Valley - Papua New Guinea
Provenance:…
See original version (French)
23
-
- Ompi spoon - Markham Valley - Papua New Guinea
Provenance:…
See original version (French)
Estimate €150 - €300
Voluntary lot
Description
- Ompi spoon - Markham Valley - Papua New Guinea
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.
Materials: Coconut
Dimensions: H. 12 cm.
This elegant traditional spoon, known as an ompi, has a long, tapering spoon in a shape reminiscent of a plant half-shell. The end of the handle is decorated with a small stylised head, probably inspired by a bird or protective spirit, a characteristic feature of many Markham Valley products.
The Adzera (Azera) peoples produced numerous carved domestic utensils for eating and drinking. These everyday objects were often enriched with symbolic motifs or animal representations, testifying to the importance of the links between domestic activities and the spiritual world. Similar spoons are listed under the name ompi in collections and catalogues devoted to the Markham Valley.
See original version (French)
Auto-translation. Refer to original language for legal validity.
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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