Tami Island or West New Britain Club-Oceanic Art
This is an exceptional fighting club from the Tami Island/Huon Gulf or West New Britain area of Papua New Guinea. It has a beautiful “balum” spirit face with three-pointed headdress surmounting an undulating snake in high relief. There are remains of white lime pigment and an overall dark brown glossy patina. The club dates to the early 20th century or before, is 31 ¾” (80.6 cm) in height.