Papua New Guinea dugong net float

 
Papua New Guinea dugong net float
 
Origin: Massim Culture (Milne Bay region, the most Eastern part of Papua New Guinea), said to be from Eastern Suau Island.
 
Material: Wood
 
Maker: SB and SIKINI are carved on the float and may indicate a maker’s name
 
Dimensions: 26 cms long.
 
Stock no: F010
 
Provenance: Ex Michael Hamson (the Californian based tribal art dealer); Harry Beran Collection; John Friede Collection.
 
Comments: 
The Milne Bay province consists of more than 600 islands. 48 languages are spoken throughout the region. The region includes the well-known Trobriand Islands.
Carved floats in the shape of a mythical animal were attached to the centre of the dugong net and believed to have magical qualities that would bring the dugong into the net and result in a good catch.
This piece comes with a professionally made black metal stand that can be seen in the images.
 
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