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A fine Punamhan lidded ritual box
with zoomorphic animal head carved for each handle. The geometric heads are formed by eight almost
flat surfaces tapering down the snout towards a slit mouth. The eyes are formed by small indentations.
The lid is recessed into the top of the box with a locating lug at each end;
The nature of the dark brown encrusted patina shows box and lid have significant age and use.
Material: wood; height: 160mm; length: 360mm; width: 120mm.
Provenance:
Private Collection 1980-1991.
Acquired by LukLuk Gallery in 1991.
Such boxes were used exclusively by priests officiating at tribal ceremonies.
Every family possesses, if it still adheres to the old religious beliefs, a ceremonial box which would contain several charms.
Discussion:
See 'Gomez-Garcia 1983' - p88.
Comparison:
See 'Roll, Christian. Rice Gods of the Ifugao. 1974' - Art of Asia, January-February 1974.Page 26.
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