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,e 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 stylised birds, and the designs are highlighted by remnants of old red and black paint.  The Canoe Ornament would date from the 1940s

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 referred to as the” Massim”  a term originating from Misima Island. Massim societies are usually characterised by matrilineal descent and elaborate mortuary rites that are part of the Kula trading system.  Canoes were the main way of travelling for people in Milne Bay Province; they were able to travel long distances using a single sail made from fibre mats.  This area of 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 many major museum collections, and displayed around the world.  I have superb Massim Art from the 19th & early 20th Century ( make an appointment to view the artworks in person) 

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

See my new EXHIBITIONS GALLERY  showing the Museums and Art Galleries Exhibitions that I provided artworks for over the past 40 years. There is the link to the article about my artworks published in the prestigious Louvre Magazine in 1996

I have artwork for Museums and 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 and Oceanic Art.  Sydney is very close to New Guinea & the Pacific Islands, where all of these amazing artworks came from, Australia’s closest neighbours.

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