Group of Three Long Figural Flutes
Middle Sepik River, Papua New Guinea
Probably Mid-20th Century; Signs of Age and Use
Wood, bamboo, fiber
The three lengths overall are about 5’ to 5.5’
The three wood figures are about 14”, 15”, and 20”
Bamboo Flutes’ Average Diameter: About 1.5”dia. (3.75cm)
Finely carved wood figures fiber-lashed to long, hollow bamboo flute poles with incised designs. The artful incised line designs on the long yellow bamboo flute tubes could be more beautiful if the dried mud were sponged off. Some shells, fibers, and cordage adorn the figures like humans wear earrings and caches sexes. Incisings (scars?) show traces of white pigment. One floor base could display this threesome standing dramatically. These were collected in the same PNG village.
Left Figure 16.25”h x 3”w x 3.25”d (40cm x 7.6cm x 8.2cm) Overall object height/length: 62”h (157cm)
Center Figure: 23.5”h x 5”w x 2.5”d (59.7cm x 12.7cm x 6.3cm) Overall object height/length: 70”h (177.4cm)
Right Figure: 13.25”h x 3.5”w x 2.25”d (33.7cm x 8.9cm x 5.7cm) Overall height/length: 60”h 152cm)
$1000 each, or $2250 the set of three
