Lot 272

Description

Papua New Guinea Traditional Feather Money and Ornaments, Framed ethnographic display entitled "Island Money", comprising six arrangements of feathers and bird plumage attributed to Papua New Guinea, including two pale yellow feather bunches, a large group of dark bird-of-paradise plumes with red highlights, a section of brown and mottled bird plumage, a Goura crowned pigeon's crest with delicate black-tipped filaments, and a large reddish-brown feather arrangement.
Mounted against a white backing in a wooden display case with a clear Perspex-type cover, measuring approximately 61 × 38cm. Accompanied by three original printed explanatory labels entitled "Traditional and Primitive Currency", "Rare Feather Money" and "Guria Pigeon's Crest".
The collector's labels describe the traditional importance of feathers as symbols of wealth, objects of exchange and ceremonial adornment among the peoples of Papua New Guinea. The feather arrangements exhibiting age-related discolouration, minor losses, bending and disturbance to individual filaments. Some feather groups retain strong natural colouring, particularly the reddish-brown and dark plumes. The mounted bird plumage exhibits wear and deterioration, with loose and displaced feathers. White backing with minor discolouration and wear around the mounts. Perspex-type cover with surface scratches and scuffing; wooden frame with general handling wear. Fine to very fine (1 framed display,)

Ex Alan McRae collection.