Yangoru Boiken Talipun Bride Price Payment-New Guinea Art-Oceanic Art
As most of you know, I am big fan of Yangoru Boiken talipun bride price payments. They have to be one of the most unique and whimsical forms of traditional currency in Oceania. They most often feature, as with this one, a leaf-shape spirit face attached to a cut and polished green turban seashell that had been traded over the Prince Alexander Mountains with the coastal folks living on Papua New Guinea’s north coast. This one has good volumes, long tubular eyes, raised pierced nose and good remains of traditional colors. Judging from the weight and lack of polishing on the shell I would say this is a “humbuli” or male talipun. It dates to the early/mid 20th century, stands 15” (38.1 cm) as mounted.