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Hôtel des Ventes de Troyes

50 - Betel nut mortar - Huon Gulf - Papua New Guinea - Materials:…
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Estimate €400 - €600
Sale commission
Description
Betel nut mortar - Huon Gulf - Papua New Guinea - Materials: Wood - Base included (gallery condition). 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. Field reference: A21, Siassi ISL, 7. Dimensions: H. 21 cm Betel nut mortar depicting a seated male figure, carved from dense wood with a particularly deep brown-black patina. The cylindrical vessel, hollowed out of the top of the head, was used to grind or mix the ingredients associated with betel nut chewing, an essential social practice in Melanesia. The iconography of this figure is more elaborate than that of the usual examples from the Gulf of Huon. The face is framed by a headdress or headband richly decorated with curvilinear motifs evoking ceremonial ornaments. The almond-shaped eyes, long, straight nose and discreet mouth give the figure a hieratic expression typical of the region's prestigious sculptures. Engraved geometric decoration highlights the arms, legs and base, recalling scarification motifs or traditional body painting. The seated posture, common in the art of the north-east coast of Papua New Guinea, refers to the representation of founding ancestors and figures invested with spiritual power. By their presence, these figures symbolically protected the substances consumed and affirmed the status of their owners. The surface has a remarkable patina of use, developed by repeated handling and contact with the plant ingredients used in the preparation of betel. Slight wear on the reliefs and rim indicates that it was used a long time ago.
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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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