TAMI JANUS FIGURE LADLE
HUON GULF, PAPUA NEW GUINEA, 19TH CENTURY
Estimate: £800 - £1,200
Auction: 13 March 2025 from 13:00 GMT
Description
carved wood, adorned with an ancestor figure of janus form standing on top of the handle, raised on a bespoke mount, rich patination from extensive use
Dimensions
58.5cm tall
Provenance
Schoffel de Fabry, Paris, France
Private collection, United Kingdom, acquired from the above
Footnote
The Tami Islands, a group of small islets off the eastern tip of the Huon Peninsula in Morobe Province, are renowned for their skilled carvers, who have long produced a range of finely crafted objects. While much of this work was created for trade with neighbouring groups, a significant portion was also made for local use. These carvings, including spoons such as this one, reflect the artistic excellence of the Tami people and the cultural importance of their material creations in both daily life and ceremonial contexts.
This spoon, used in the preparation of sago, a starchy food derived from the tropical sago palm, illustrates the central role of this staple in the region. Known locally as saksak, rabia, and sagu, sago is commonly prepared by mixing its flour with water, then either frying it into cakes or boiling it into a thick soup. In Morobe Province, where the Tami Islands are located, sago is not just a crucial food source but also holds cultural significance, as evidenced by the fine craftsmanship of this spoon.