A ceremonial headdress with a soul [...]
Read MoreNaluan Headdress from Malekula
Melanesian Art
Primitive, Tribal or Oceanic Art?
in Tribal Art
There are several terms, which overlaps each other, among non-western arts. We will briefly face the topic to let you understand better the issues, our choices and vision.
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Cross cutting edge axe from Yogosimo – Highlands – Baliem Valley – Central Highlands of the West Papua - Indonesia
Stone Axe from the remote Baliem Valley, West Papua.
in New Entries
It looks like an archeological piece, but it was made in the past century in the Dani tribe, which occupies (but not owns) the lands surrounding the Baliem Valley, in the heart of the West Papua’s Highlands, under Indonesian government.
Read MorePARCOURS DES MONDES 2013 – Notes on the main annual tribal art event
in Tribal Art
Paris is the tribal art market hub and Parcours des Mondes its main fair. In 2013 it was the 12th edition: 60 galleries in Saint-Germain des Près’ were hosting the most peculiar and worldwide artifacts, gathering collectors, dealers and passionate of this art altogether.
Read MoreFlorence Biennale 2013
in Tribal Art
Florence Biennale is a tiny contemporary art exposition, with little tribal art influence. Only two artists exhibited pieces linked to this topic: Marianne Houtkamp and Hanna Fluk. In my opinion, both of them are able to overstep the mainstream.
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Asmat Ceremonial Shield with anthropomorphic figure
Asmat Ceremonial Shield
in New Entries
This Asmat shield is preciously carved with a complex ancestral symbology.
It is made by dark and hard wood and it has tiny dimensions (cm.20x82h x 1,5 d) because it was located in one of the four corner of the familiy’s fireplace, the so-called “yeu”, in the heart of the village to protect from evil spirits. [...]
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Koteka by Dani people in sing sing festival in Wosilimo, Baliem Valley,
Wosilimo Koteka
[...] This koteka owns to a village chief, as can be seen by its unique elaboration. Usually koteka are straight or with a simple arching. [...]
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Solomon Islands' Nguzu in carved stone
Solomon Islands' Nguzu
This unique example of Nguzu idle comes from the remote Island of Ranongga (Solomon Islands), which is known for its river stone used for fine sculptures. [...]
Read MoreFrieze Masters 2013
in Tribal Art
[...] The first Frieze Master’s stand reaffirms the increasing trend for primitive art, confirmed by London’s bid in the days after the fair. [...]
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Efate Guardian Spirit Totem, Vanuatu
Efate Guardian Spirit Totem
in Tribal Art
[...] Our totem comes from Efate Island but there isn’t any track record of its effective islanders’ provenience. When it was bought, it was playing its cultural role: planted at the village entrance, close to a clan’s fence. This function is called “mague” in Ambryin language. [....]
Read MoreA definition of Tribal Art
in Tribal Art
[...] Primitive art is usually a synonymous of Tribal Art. We do not enter in the discussion about which of the two is more appropriated but we want to focus on two characteristics: primitive and global. [...]
Read MoreThe Venice Biennale 2013
in Tribal Art
The non-Western art trend is clearly going further this year: Angola Pavillon gold lyon, massive China independent artists , Tuvalu presence! Actually, the “encyclopedic” aim of this Biennale built a comprehensive global “palace”...
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Why Fine Tribal?
Why did we name it “Fine Tribal”? Fine and Tribal sound an oxymoron, isn’t it? However, Oceanic Art is made with a rare and refined craftsmanship which results in the most precious pieces among Tribal Arts. So Fine Tribal Art is the proper definition for what we collected during our travels.
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