Carved Sentani Paddle - Women's Ritual Object, PNG

Lot 13

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686 S Taylor Ave, Ste 106
Louisville, CO 80027
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Selling antiquities, ancient and ethnographic art online since 1993, Artemis Gallery specializes in Classical Antiquities (Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Near Eastern), Asian, Pre-Columbian, African / Tribal / Oceanographic art. Our extensive inventory includes pottery, stone, metal, wood, glass and textil...Read more

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Indigenous Art - Ralph T. Coe Center, Santa Fe, NM by Artemis Fine Arts

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Indigenous Art - Ralph T. Coe Center, Santa F...

By Artemis Fine Arts

Aug 22, 2025

Set Reminder 2025-08-22 10:00:00 2025-08-22 10:00:00 America/New_York Bidsquare Bidsquare : Indigenous Art - Ralph T. Coe Center, Santa Fe, NM https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/artemis-gallery/indigenous-art---ralph-t-coe-center-santa-fe-nm-20324 Featuring works of art from the Ralph T. Coe Center for the Arts in Santa Fe, New Mexico, a non-profit focused on promoting Indigenous Arts globally. All proceeds from the sale of these items will support future grants to Rehoming Program participants. Artemis Fine Arts info@artemisfinearts.com

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Lot Description

Papua New Guinea, Sentani Island, ca. mid to late 20th Century CE. A carved ceremonial paddle from the Sentani region of northern Papua New Guinea, hand-shaped from dense tropical hardwood, likely Intsia bijuga (ironwood). This paddle exhibits the rich visual language and cultural symbolism associated with clan identity, women's ritual performance, and the artistry of coastal life. The blade is elongated and almond-shaped, tapering to a sharp point, and decorated on one side with incised curvilinear patterns arranged in distinct vertical registers. A field of tight zigzag scrolls fills the upper portion, framed by teardrop-like eye forms near the shoulder. The lower third transitions to diamond lattice designs and circular motifs, suggestive of both water ripple and body tattoo forms found in regional visual tradition. Paddles used by women were often more lavishly ornamented than those used by men, and served not just as functional tools, but as symbols of clan affiliation and social identity. Size: 59.9" L x 5.8" W (152.1 cm x 14.7 cm)

These paddles may have been displayed in dances or domestic ceremonies, signaling lineage through their distinctive carved patterns. The shaft is smooth and finely shaped, with simple carved rings near the upper end and a fiber tie at the base of the blade. The wood has aged to a warm, dark patina with visible handling marks and wear, contributing to its depth of character and authenticity.

Provenance: Ralph T. Coe Center for the Arts, Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA

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#195961

Condition

Chipping with some splintering to one side of paddle head. Minor surface wear commensurate with age, but, otherwise, excellent with nice decoration and rich patina. Old remains of string beneath paddle head.
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