Indonesian Antique Carved Dugout Canoe Model

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A charming Oceanic Pacific Islanders artifact / folk art antique primitive dugout canoe model, collected in the Sepik River region, … Read more A charming Oceanic Pacific Islanders artifact / folk art antique primitive dugout canoe model, collected in the Sepik River region, Papua New Guinea, Oceania, dating to the early 20th century, likely Indigenous Iatmul peoples.

The huge, oversized small scale miniature or toy canoe model would have been crafted virtually identical to a full size example. Reaching impressive lengths, the canoes builder would frequently have to travel over thirty miles down the river to find a tree large enough required to form such a large, elongated hull. With canoes the only way of transportation, different styles and sizes were needed, including large war canoes, capable of holding from fifteen to twentyfive men. These large canoes, hollowed from a single massive log, were also used for trading, fishing expeditions and daily lives.

After locating a suitable, well proportioned log, then returning home with it, construction could begin.

Hand carved from a single massive log of wood, most likely a mangrove tree, using only primitive, simple tools like the stone adze, it's richly detailed, sculpted, and shaped frequently with a deep "dug-out" hull, raised seat stern, and the bow adorned with an ornately carved crocodile head prow figure ornament. The interior surface heat treated / scorched, frequently the exterior would be elaborately polychrome paint decorated, usually with tribal symbols, ancestral images, and animals, this example with old but later polychrome, one side with unique snake motif. Higher quality canoes could last up to fifteen years, lesser quality around eight to ten.

The extremely rugged terrain of Papua New Guinea means that the easiest form of travel for its indigenous inhabitants is via dugout canoe, especially in the hilly region around the long inland Sepik River. Even today there are few roads. Dugout canoes are the main transportation along the long inland rivers such as the Sepik, the Fly and their tributaries, as well as in the extensive lagoons and swampy regions such as the Asmat. Out-rigger canoes are used to sail along the far rougher coast water and between the outer islands.

Wonderful on display atop a console or shelf, functional, placed on a table as a wooden trough centerpiece, lined with fresh fruit, decorative candles, or colorful dried flowers!

Condition:
The boat is in excellent shape, solid and sturdy, with beautiful, nicely aged patina over the whole! Elegant sheen, with soft, warm, mellow hues. Incredible antique character, old world aboriginal arts charm, and historic depth. With rustic, rough, hand hewn interior that showcases all the carvers original tool marks, hand chamfered verso, the exterior has the most rich, mellow, warmth, so smooth it glows, peppered with old insect marks.

Approx 2"h, 25.5"w, 4"d See less