Talipoon

Boiken, Papua New Guinea
Early 20th Century
Provenance: Private Collection, Paris

Made out of a large shell with an attached woven face, Talipoon are a form of currency. This particular example is rare in that it is smaller than most Talipoons. However, the woven attachment is incredibly expressive, with a half moon shaped face, still highlighted by pigment. Purely abstract, the facial features and seamlessly woven into the body of the fiber attachment. A small bird head sits on top of the figure, and is a common motif in Boiken art.

Height: 12 inches
IN 08-13-15 / Price on request