Antique Massim Culture Milne Bay Papua New Guinea Carved And Inlaid Wood Pig

An antique Massim Culture Milne Bay Papua New Guinea carved wood pig with incised decoration inlaid with lime, late 19thc. Pigs in New Guinea are the most important animals for all communities, not only are they an important food source but also, they are a form of traditional wealth & currency. In New Guinea carved wood pigs would have ceremonial or ritual uses, pigs or boars appear on all kinds of ceremonial objects like giant Slit Gong Drums, Sacred Flutes, Trumpets & House Posts. Some ancient carvings of pigs are known from the Milne Bay province, and one in the Jolika collection of New Guinea Art at the De Young Fine Art Museum in San Francisco is carbon-dated to an early date. Maximum height approximately 9cm, maximum length nose to tail approximately 15.5cm. A back leg has been reattached in the past, a couple of age splits to the wood and some surface wear/losses to the lime inlay as expected with age however this does not detract. A charming pig which displays very well. Please be guided by the photographs and feel free to ask any questions.

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