Pig-Killing Apron
Highlands, Papua New Guinea
Woven fiber, pigments of red, white & yellow/mustard colors, Cus Cus fur, pigs tails
Probably Mid-20th Century
27” (68.5cm) tall x .5” (1.25cm) deep x 11.75” (29.8cm) wide
Provenance: Grusenmayer, Brussels, 1970s
The most beautiful artworks of the Papua New Guinea Highlands were made to decorate the human body for dances including ceremonies such as pig-killing. Besides these aprons, dancers wore wigs, bright bird feathers, and leaves. Performers’ faces were often painted with ochre. Such decorations were a manifestation of vitality and power. This superb example was made for use and used.
$1500
