Bidspirit auction | 4 New Guinea Highlands Gourd

4 New Guinea Highlands Gourd Artifacts - 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.