A small canoe-prow ornament in the form of a double bar “T“. The four extremities of the two bars are carved with large expressive stylized human heads. This type of ornament was attached to the top of the canoe prow figure-head.

Probably Merat Island, Wadke and Jamna Islands, North Coast of Irian Jaya, Indonesian New Guinea, Melanesia. Wood with traces of pigments (one head is an old restoration). 25 x 15,2 x 3,5 cm. 19/20th century.
Ex coll.: Prof. G.H.R. Königswald, Bad Homberg, Germany. A renowned paleontologist, he discovered the remains of pre-historic “Solo-man“ on Java in 1931 and was a noted collector.

Ref. :
Greub, S. (ed.): ART OF NORTH WEST NEW GUINEA. New York, Rizzoli International Publications. 1992.

Meyer, Anthony JP: OCEANIC ART / OZEANISCHE KUNST / ART OCEANIEN. Könemann Verlag, Köln. 1995.