Louis Ledoux: Papua New Guinea Collection
By Willow Auction House
Nov 16, 2021
2 Frassetto Way Lincoln Park, NJ 07035, United States

Adventurer, Academic, Industrialist: Louis Pierre Ledoux 1936 New Guinea Expedition


In early 1936, on recommendation by American anthropologist Margaret Mead, Louis Pierre Ledoux, recent Harvard University graduate, headed to the lower eastern Sepik River of Papua New Guinea to study the Murik people.


The results of his self-funded expedition is an extraordinary collection of hundreds of artifacts, photographs, manuscripts, diaries, and letters left untouched for 85 years.

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LOT 183:

Cassowary Bone Dagger, Plain

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Start price:
$ 500
Estimated price :
$1,000 - $1,500
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Cassowary Bone Dagger, Plain

Cassowary bone dagger, plain.

In his Diary, page 162 (lot 108 box F1), Ledoux explains: "Cassowary bone daggers used in war to kill children being poked through the eyes or shoulder blade, or if your spear is broken used on men, holding the man first. It is worn in the mal [loin-cloth]." In Ledoux’s various writings, he mentions the daggers often.

Locale: Lower Sepik River
Country: Papua New Guinea
Date: 1936 or earlier
Material: Cassowary bone
Dimensions: L7"
Provenance: Louis Pierre Ledoux Collection

Similar item:
Artemis Galley (ex-Sotheby's) 2016
https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/49273318_early-20th-c-png-carved-bone-daggers-ex-s othebys

 

 

 



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