pole post carved.post

Dublin Core

Title

pole post carved.post

Identifier

Description

Figure carving on top of a long pole. Thomson's MS catalogue 1862: 'A long wooden idol placed in prow of canoe.' 92. Carved post. New Guinea, Humboldt Bay. The post belonged to Alexander Thomson of Banchory House, Aberdeen until his death in 1868. In a catalogue of the Banchory House Museum compiled in 1862 it is described as 'A long wooden idol placed in prow of canoe'. The figure carving is a curious mixture of styles from West New Guinea, but the decorative motif below the figures can be compared to ornament on harpoon shafts from the Humboldt Bay area. The true function of the post remains an enigma.

Creator

Thomson, Alexander Mr

Date

Early: 1800 Late: 1862

Contributor

Thomson, Alexander Mr

Relation

wood pigment

Format

L: 4020 mm