Lot 187
187
Property of MR. and MRS. STANLEY MARCUS
A YUAT RIVER ORNAMENT

Details
A YUAT RIVER ORNAMENT

Of flat oval form with curvilinear incisions and openwork defining three stylized human and animal faces, the top two with serrated extensions from the mouth, shell inlays at the eyes, rich dark brown patina, red pigment, 9¼in. (23.4cm.) high
Provenance
Julius Carlebach, New York, 1952
Literature
Wardwell, A., 1971, p. 52, no. 101
Exhibited
Chicago, The Art Institute of Chicago, The Art of the Sepik River, Oct. 16 - Nov. 28, 1971

Lot Essay

The art of the Yuat River stands in a class by itself, and is the most dramatic of all Sepik sub-styles. Relief carving and the application of color exaggerate the sculptural quality and aggressive nature of the work as is particularly evident in this example. (see Wardwell, 1971, p. 28) The notched extension at the back is for attachment to a belt or armband.