Antique Tribal Ancestor Figure Massim Soul Boat Papua New Guinea

Fine Old New Guinea Massim Soul Boat Trobriand Islands Milne Bay Province Papua New Guinea. This rare and skillfully carved Massim Ancestral "Soul Boat" is from the Milne Bay Province in the eastern Papua New Guinea. These figural carvings are known as "Soul Boats" or "Soul Canoes, " and it is thought they represent the souls of the deceased moving on to the supernatural world. Probably made in the first half of the 20th Century, this particular piece, reflects the Massim artists' renowned craftsmanship. The oval portion of the "boat" is just over 9 inches long, 6 ¾ inches wide and 2 inches deep. There are intricately incised designs around the edge of the boat. At either end are two holes in which are placed two different ancestor figures, one 4 ¾ inches tall and the other 4 ¼ inches tall.

Both are carved with typical Massim designs.

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