Sepik River Crocodile Canoe Prow Carving, C1880

Large carved canoe prow in the form of a Crocodile head,c1880. This tribal piece originates from the Sepik river area of Papua New Guinea where canoes are the primary mode of transport. Crocodiles feature strongly in tribal mythology and of course are a threat in real life so the carving is designed to keep the canoe occupants safe by fooling any real crocodiles into thinking they have encountered a fellow Croc. It has real decorative appeal, simply carved in a tribal fashion it is clearly hand carved. The wood has taken on great colour/patina. Overall condition is good , the carving is solid and structurally sound there are age related splits and small losses to the end, presumably where it was originally joined to the canoe. All exactly as you would expect from a genuine old example. Please refer to the detailed photographs and feel free to contact me if you would like to view the item or have any questions.

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Size: 55 cm long/wide x 27cm deep x12 cm tall, weight 1.8kg.

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Date of manufacture : 19th Century