Pacific Islands Staff

Hi all,

I'm stumped once again trying to find out anything about a piece of tribal art I picked up at an auction!

It looks very much to me like a staff from the pacific islands but I haven't been able to find anything remotely similar..

Id be super grateful if anyone can offer me any clues

Thanks a lot

Calum

 

My best guess is New Guinea / New Ireland. I associate the use of the (what looks like) opercula shells with New Ireland objects, but the way they are attached is common in New Guinea objects. Perhaps a dance stick, with an ancestor figure at the top.

 

Thanks again 2mb! Sorry I thought I sent a reply a couple days ago.. I hadn't heard of stick dancing (or New Ireland!) but i've taken a look and i see what you mean.