Oceania, Papua New Guinea, Maprik River region, Abelam peoples, ca. 19th to early 20th century CE. An enormous example of a stick meant for digging large yams from the ground known as a gisa. The gisa is used for both digging holes for yam planting - with the hole needing to be as large as the size the yam is intended to grow to - as well as for digging the yams out of the ground once fully grown. The elongated, petaloid blade tapers to a penultimate lower point used for piercing the earth, and the sturdy handle enables confident digging without worry of breakage. The upper finial depicts a stylized anthropomorphic head surrounded by a quartet of hornbill birds. Matte layers of caramel, espresso, and chocolate patina envelop the entire tool and imbue it with a sophisticated presentation. Size: 4.625" W x 86.6" H (11.7 cm x 220 cm)

Cf. another enormous example at The Bowers Museum, museum number 99.76.141; for more information about Abelam digging sticks, please see the Bowers Museum blog article entitled, "Yam Digging Sticks of the Abelam."

Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection; ex-Bonhams, New York "African, Oceanic and Pre-Columbian Art" auction (November 11, 2010, lot 6236); ex-private New York, USA collection; ex-private H.M. Lissauer collection, Melbourne, Australia, 1969

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#168184

Repair to proper left side of finial, with chipping and very light adhesive residue along break lines. Chipping and several stable hairline fissures across finial, handle, and blade, with abrasions and nicks commensurate with age and use, and softening to some finer details on finial carving. Great patina and earthen deposits throughout.