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Hôtel des Ventes de Troyes
35
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Kundu drum - Sepik river - Papua New Guinea -
Materials: Woo…
See original version (French)
35
-
Kundu drum - Sepik river - Papua New Guinea -
Materials: Woo…
See original version (French)
Estimate €150 - €300
Voluntary lot
Description
Kundu drum - Sepik river - Papua New Guinea -
Materials: Wood
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.
Dimensions: H. 51 cm.
A carved wooden drum with a reddish-brown patina, hollowed out and open at the top. The body, slightly constricted in the centre, has an engraved decoration covering part of the surface and organised in large panels of curvilinear and concentric motifs characteristic of the Sepik artistic repertoire. These compositions are punctuated by anthropomorphic figures and stylised faces sculpted in relief, including a vertical figure occupying the main axis of the object.
The alternation between the areas left smooth and the richly incised parts highlights the quality of the sculptural work and gives the whole a strong plastic presence. Residual traces of red pigment remain in some of the incisions, further underlining the richness of the decoration.
Through the balance of its volumes, the finesse of its carvings and the expressive power of its sculpted figures, this drum is a fine example of the ceremonial art of the Sepik region, where music, sculpture and the representation of ancestors are closely associated.
Beautiful patina from age and use.
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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