Bidspirit auction | Papua New Guinea Painted Bark

Papua New Guinea Painted Bark Cloth Tapa Fragment - Papua New Guinea bark cloth tapa fragment featuring hand-painted geometric motifs. This triangular piece is characteristic of the artistic traditions of the Oro Province or coastal regions of Melanesia, utilizing natural dark brown pigments on a cream-colored fibrous bark ground. The construction shows a hand-beaten bark texture with natural variations in thickness and fiber density. 11 1/2” L x 9” W x 5/8” D. 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.