- 2 Frassetto Way - Lincoln Park, NJ 07035
The Peter Benchley Collection: Jaws, A Life of Writing, A Legacy of Ocean Conservation.
Lot 54:
Description
Group of four ethnographic artifacts from the Highlands region of New Guinea, associated with the Dani or Lani peoples. The group includes several phallic sheaths, known as kotekas, constructed from dried gourds, plant fiber, bone, and cowrie shells. Largest piece: 10 1/2" L x 3" diameter.
More from the same 1987 Papua New Guinea expedition, including the painted bark tapa, the carved headrest, and in Lot 54 the ceremonial phallic gourds worn by Highlands men, which the Benchleys brought home because they were fascinating, exotic, and the source of wonderful conversation pieces.
From the personal collection of Peter Benchley (American, 1940–2006), acclaimed author of Jaws, accomplished diver, and prominent advocate for ocean and shark conservation.
Proceeds from the Peter Benchley Collection will benefit five ocean conservation organizations: Peter Benchley Ocean Awards, WildAid, Beneath the Waves, Blue Frontier and Environmental Defense Fund.
Condition report:
The decorated globular gourd displays a hairline crack extending from the rim down the shoulder and shows general surface wear with light scuffing. The long straight penis sheath exhibits a dark aged patina with surface mottling and dust. Both curved penis sheaths show general surface wear, minor staining, and light fraying to the fiber elements. The interiors of the sheaths show evidence of the manual hollowing process.
Share this lot:
