• East Sepik Province, Papua New Guinea

• Wood

• Mid 20th century or earlier

• 16 in. / 27 cm diameter

The platter's rich dark brown patina is from years of use and storage. This example has a single suspension hole for tying the plate to the rafters when not in use. Over time, smoke from cooking fires coats the surface, giving the piece a dark lustrous finish.

The execution of the motif is stylistically unusual. A relief of a complete flying fox often decorates this type of plate. The artist appears to be riffing on the mask of the cartoon character "The Phantom - The Man Who Would Not Die." The character's image is on certain war shields from the Highlands of Papua New Guinea. See the image of an example of this type of shield.

Platters such as these were once a part of every household and used for village celebrations. Now, plastic and metal platters take their place.

Domestic shipping included. International shipping quoted separately.

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