Paddle finial Wogamsin or Kubain area of the Middle and Upper Sepik River region, Papua New Guinea Wood 16 inches high (40.6 cm) Early 20th century or earlier Field collected by Douglas Newton; ex. Jolika Collection of Marcia and John Friede, ex. Michael Hamson; ex. private collection, Madison, WI Considered a masterpiece, this paddle finial depicts two totemic bird heads facing one another and has a beautiful aged and glossy dark-brown patina. This particular example was most likely carved by the Munggwal clan, as referenced in Newton’s book. These handles were often carved similarly to the canoe prows and a related example can be seen in The Art of the Sepik River. cf. Crocodile and Cassowary, Douglas Newton, 1971. The Museum of Primitive Art, NY. pg. $1600
