Northern New Ireland People Malagan sculpture

Northern New Ireland People Malagan sculpture, 19th c., Papua New Guinea, carved wood with white and red pigment, depicting a mythological figure holding a bird, surmounted by a seated figure holding a fish, inscribed in black ink "4419", in three places, and: "Australien. Neu-Mecklenburg. Bismarck Archipel. (illegible)1904 (illegible)", on custom metal stand, 53"h x 13"w x 10"d (figure)

Provenance: German Museum Collection; Julius Carlebach, New York; Acquired from the above on February 3, 1964

Notes/Literature: From the Metropolitan Museum of Art: Malagan is the collective name for a series of ceremonies honoring the dead. These carvings, the most technically complex in all of Oceanic art, are commissioned from recognized experts and depict figures from clan mythology. They are displayed in special enclosures, sometimes in considerable numbers, during feasts honoring both the dead and the donors of the carvings.
Condition Report: Good, fine aged patina, some rubbing to pigments, hairlines and expansion cracks throughout, drilled for mounting **Note: Condition reports are based on visual inspection under typical office lighting. Unless otherwise noted, items are not examined under UV light in advance of sale. If you are interested in bidding, please contact us to request a more thorough examination, or make an appointment for in-person inspection. Condition reports are rendered as specialist opinion by the staff of the Auction House and not as statements of fact. We do not guarantee the content of written or verbal condition reports. Remember, all sales are final. The absence of a condition report does not imply that there are no condition issues with the lot. Please call us at (973) 377-1500 or e-mail info@milleabros.com with any questions about this lot at least 24 hours prior to auction.