Superb Massim Kula Canoe Spash Board

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This is a superb example of a Massim Canoe Splash Board from the Milne Bay Province of Papua New Guinea, old & beautifully carved this splash board was from the front of a large ocean going canoe that were used in the complex Kula trading circle that built life time trading partners & commitments between a large groups of small islands in the Milne Bay Province and sometimes further.  The main design elements are stylised birds on the upper section and below are four snakes, the designs are highlighted with white lime and remnants of old red paint. The Canoe Splash Board has considerable age and conservatively think it is from the 1940’s or older.

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.

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