An Oceanic wooden canoe prow ornament

Massim area, Trobriand Islands, Papua New Guinea
The flat splash board prow decoration with symmetrical low-carved scroll, bird, and primeval motif and two twisted cane loops
16.5" H x 25" W x 1" D

Provenance: H. M. Lissauer, Melbourne, Australia
Collection of Marian and John Scott, acquired from the above, 1981
Acquired from the above by the present owner

Literature: Oceanic Art, Myth, Man, and Image in the South Seas, Carl A. Schmitz, Abrams, 1966; black & white plate 136 (illus), p. 76 (text).
New Guinea Art in the collection of the Museum of Primitive Art, Douglas Newton, Museum of Primitive Art, 1967, fig. 15 plus reference text...
The Art of PAPUA and NEW GUINEA, Rizzoli Intern'l Pub 1977, p. 158-159 (illus).
Condition Report: Overall good condition with scattered scuffs, scratches, nicks, shrinkage cracks, and weathering commensurate with age and use.