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67 - Rare cephalomorphic Janus neck-rest, Middle Sepik, Papua New…
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Estimate €800 - €1,200
Sale commission
Description
Rare cephalomorphic Janus neck-rest, Middle Sepik, Papua New Guinea Materials: Carved wood, bamboo and plant fibres. Provenance: Private collection, Belgium Dimensions : L. 64 cm. A fine old neck-rest from the Middle Sepik region, remarkable for its architectural structure and its cephalomorphic iconography. The finely carved main crosspiece rests on two bamboo supports supports, while each end is adorned with a stylised head, forming a real Janiform forming a true janiform motif. The faces, treated like small masks, display the aesthetic characteristics the aesthetic characteristics typical of Sepik art: a protruding nose, circular eyes, a wide-open mouth and a play of black pigments and a play of black pigments highlighting the volumes. The surfaces are enriched with engraved geometric decorations highlighted in white, notably triangular friezes and linear networks. triangular friezes and linear networks recalling the traditional body and architectural motifs of the Sepik Valley. valley. This alternation of patinated brown wood, dark pigments and light incisions gives the ensemble a particularly strong visual presence. a particularly strong visual presence. In Middle Sepik societies, neck rests were not just a matter of comfort. They were used to to preserve elaborate hairstyles smeared with ochre or grease, but they were also part of a symbolic universe closely linked to sleep closely linked to sleep, dreams and relationships with the ancestors. Several examples in major international collections feature sculpted ends depicting ancestral beings or guardians. ancestral beings or tutelary entities, underlining the spiritual dimension attached to these objects. The example on offer is unusual in that it combines bamboo supports, an elongated silhouette and a double cephalad. and double cephalomorphic representation. The quality of the engraved decoration, the old patina and the overall and the overall balance of the composition bear witness to an ancient object that is both utilitarian and deeply charged with of meaning. A rare example of the domestic and ritual arts of Papua New Guinea, this neck-rest combines the qualities of ancient Middle Sepik production: graphic power, a clearly identifiable traditional function clearly identifiable traditional function and a strong sculptural presence. Skull
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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
Lot description modified on 06/05/2026 at 1:40 PM
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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