Oceania, Papua New Guinea, Middle Sepik River region, Washkuk Hills, Kwoma people, ca. early to mid 20th century CE. An interesting earthenware vessel with a pair of large, abstract faces with aquiline noses, pierced circular eyes, and smiling mouths, all surrounded by raised border panels. Areas of black and pale-yellow paint embellish each face, particularly along the noses and around the eyes. The upper half of the exterior is decorated with a repeating series of impressed linear bars which form a zigzag pattern, and the lower half is rounded and unadorned. A flared rim tops the vessel's mouth, and the entire ground of the piece is painted in a natural orange pigment. Used to celebrate the three phases of the yam ceremony, this is a gorgeous example replete with fine craftsmanship! Size: 9.5" W x 8" H (24.1 cm x 20.3 cm).

Provenance: private Newport Beach, California, USA collection

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#133533

Age-commensurate surface wear and abrasions, fading to some facial details and painted embellishments, small chips to rim, body, and base, and light discoloration. Nice earthen deposits and pigmentation traces throughout.