- 2 Frassetto Way - Lincoln Park, NJ 07035
The Peter Benchley Collection: Jaws, A Life of Writing, A Legacy of Ocean Conservation.
Lot 55:
Description
A ceremonial bamboo container from Papua New Guinea, likely utilized as a tobacco or lime storage vessel. The object features a long, slightly tapered cylindrical body characterized by a warm, natural orange-brown patina. The exterior is intricately decorated with incised geometric and curvilinear motifs infilled with dark pigment. One end of the hollow bamboo tube is open, while the opposite end features a narrower, stepped projection created by two concentric bamboo layers. A length of twisted natural fiber cord remains attached to the interior of the wider opening. 23" L x 1 7/8" 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 object displays signs of age and traditional use. Minor surface abrasions and scattered dark spots are visible across the patina. Small, irregular cracks are present at the rim of the wide opening and along the edge of the stepped projection. There is some fading and loss to the dark pigment within the incised channels, particularly on the raised portions of the bamboo. The natural fiber cord shows fraying.
Share this lot:
