Massim People, dance paddle, 19th c., Trobriand Islands, Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea, intricately carved and decorated in red and black pigment as stylized birds with elaborate plumage, bearing old ink inscription reading "New Guinea parrying shield. Stevens May 25, 1898 lot 244 AP", on custom metal stand, 11"h x 27"w (paddle)

Provenance: Stevens, London, May 25, 1898, lot 244; Augustus Henry Lane Fox Pitt-Rivers, Rushmore, Dorset, acquired at the above auction; Alexander Lane Fox Pitt-Rivers, by descent from the above Captain George Pitt-Rivers, by descent from the above by 1927; Stella Howson-Clive (Pitt-Rivers), by descent from the above by 1966

Notes/Literature: Exhibited: Pitt-Rivers Museum, Farnham, Dorset, circa May, 1898 - circa 1965 -- LITERATURE: General Fox-Pitt-Rivers, Catalogues of his Collections, 1882- 1898, Vol. 6, p. 1972

Good, fine aged patina, loss to bird beak tip **Note: Condition reports are based on visual inspection under typical office lighting. Unless otherwise noted, items are not examined under UV light in advance of sale. If you are interested in bidding, please contact us to request a more thorough examination, or make an appointment for in-person inspection. Condition reports are rendered as specialist opinion by the staff of the Auction House and not as statements of fact. We do not guarantee the content of written or verbal condition reports. Remember, all sales are final. The absence of a condition report does not imply that there are no condition issues with the lot. Please call us at (973) 377-1500 or e-mail info@milleabros.com with any questions about this lot at least 24 hours prior to auction.