Tami Island Canoe Splashboard-Syd Rosen Collection-New Guinea Art
I wish I could decipher the meaning and significance of the various motifs on this old Tami Island canoe splashboard from the Huon Gulf region of Papua New Guinea. There are various birds, fish and possible reptiles. There are references to curved boar’s tusks and other items of wealth and exchange. The splashboard is expertly carved with a aged weathered surface. The piece has been in storage in Phoenix Arizona and is on the market for the first time in nearly 50 years. It dates to the early 20th century, stands 26” (66 cm) in height.