A rare and powerful artifact from the Sepik River’s mythic traditions
This antique canoe prow from Papua New Guinea, dating to the late 19th or early 20th century, embodies the deep spiritual artistry of the Sepik peoples. Hand-carved from wood with a rich dark patina, the piece combines human and animal symbolism to anchor the prow of a canoe. It features a stylized human figure with pronounced breasts adorned with shell inlays, alongside a saurian form ending in a bird’s head. These prows were more than decoration—they held protective, spiritual, and mythological meaning for the communities who traveled the waters of the Sepik.
Why You'll Love This Papua New Guinea Canoe Prow?
• Authentic Heritage – Crafted in the Middle Sepik area, a region renowned for its powerful woodcarvings.
• Mythological Symbolism – Represents ancestral connections to crocodiles, birds, and creation myths.
• Historic Craftsmanship – Late 19th to early 20th century piece with deep patina and natural wear.
• Collector’s Artifact – A significant item for tribal art collectors and cultural historians.
• Gift of Legacy – An extraordinary gift for those passionate about world art, history, and mythology.
Dimensions:
• Length: 61 cm (24")
• Width: 15 cm (6")
• Depth: 15 cm (6")
• Weight: 1.6 kg (3.5 lbs)
A profound and evocative artifact, this Sepik canoe prow carries with it the timeless myths and spiritual legacy of Papua New Guinea.
