A Fine Old New Guinea Massim Canoe Ornament Milne Bay Province Papua New Guinea

A Fine Old New Guinea Massim Canoe Ornament Milne Bay Province Papua New Guinea

This is a superb example of a Massim Canoe Flag Ornament called munkuris is from the Milne Bay Province of Papua New Guinea, old & beautifully carved this Canoe Flag Ornament was from the front of a large ocean-going canoe that was used in the complex Kula trading circle.

The elegant shape of this Canoe Ornament with the main design elements are stylised birds and the designs are highlighted remnants of old red and black paint.  The Canoe Ornament would date from the 1950s

Kula is a complex trading cycle that can make lifetime trading partners and social connections over the many that make up the Milne Bay Province. Often refereed to as the” Massim”  a term originating from Misima Island. Massim societies are usually characterized by matrilineal descent and elaborate mortuary rites that are part of the Kula trading system.  Canoes were they main way of travelling by people in Milne Bay Province, they were able to travel long distances using a single sail made from fibre mats.  This area on New Guinea made some of the most beautiful artworks from all of New Guinea, the Massim, are well known for their beautiful lime spatulas, canoe ornaments and yam house decorations and their artworks are featured in in many major museum collections, and displays around the world.

Provenance:  From the collection of the late David Baker (1943-2009 ) who was the president of The Oceanic Arts Society of Australia and was a great collector, expert & supporter of Oceanic Art & Cultures.

The Todd Barlin Collection of  New Guinea Oceanic Art

I first went to Papua New Guinea in 1985 for an adventure & what I found was that I really enjoyed being with the people of New Guinea, over the next 38 years I spent extensive time spent collecting and documenting traditional art & ceremonies in remote areas of Papua New Guinea & West Papua, The Solomon Islands & Vanuatu & the other Pacific Islands countries. During these travels, I made major collections of New Guinea & Oceanic Art for major Museums and Public Art Galleries

I was honoured by being in the prestigious Louvre Museum Magazine for the collections I made for The Museum of African & Oceanic Art Paris in1996 (now the Musee Quai Branly) for the exhibition “Asmat et Mimika d’ Irian Jaya April 1996 At THE MUSEE NATIONAL des ARTS D’AFRIQUE et d’ OCEANIE, Paris

See all of the links & photos in my new EXHIBITIONS GALLERY and there is the link to the article in the prestigious Louvre Magazine 1996

I have artwork for Museums & Art Galleries but also for collectors at every stage of their collecting. I want to encourage people to explore the fine art of New Guinea & West Papua and the Pacific Islands and to be able to see and touch the artworks in a relaxed and friendly manner in my Sydney Gallery.  I would like to invite you to visit my gallery and see the artworks in person and also look at my website www.oceanicartsaustralia.com  where there are many Galleries & Sub Galleries to explore.

My Gallery of nearly 40 years is the last physical gallery in Sydney that specialises in New Guinea & Oceanic Art. Sydney is just a couple hours’ flight to New Guinea & the Pacific Islands where all of these amazing artworks came from, Australia’s closest neighbours. 

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If you have a similar “object” for sale please contact me for the best price and honest advice by a Government approved valuer 

To see many more rare items and the finest masterpieces, please make an appointment with us to visit the gallery.

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