New Guinea, Papuan Gulf , Marupai 1 of 2
Marupai are made from dwarf coconuts. They have incised clan designs which are filled with lime. The designs represent plants or animals which are associated with the clan. Eyes are nearly always represented in the designs. The overall shape and design of the objects create the impression of the head of an animal. They are personal property and mainly used by adult men. They fulfil a variety of magical functions, which includes help in food procuring activities, like hunting and fishing, protection against illness and in the past assistance in killing an enemy. Marupai are mainly used by the Namau and the Elema.
This is one of a pair collected in the Papuan Gulf by William Lesel Collins AMF Warrant Officer 2nd class stationed in New Guinea as part of the ANGAU ( Australian New Guinea Adminstrative Unit) from 1941-1946. It is not often that these marupai were collected with the associated woven bag.
$1250 AUD
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