A TELEFOMIN AMITUNG HOUSE ENTRANCE BOARD

Telefomin are famous for their fine carved doorboards that adorn the fronts of most of their houses. The doorboards are called amitung, and are carved from planks made of large softwood trees. Each doorboard has a unique design, although they always feature similar spiral and geometric motifs and are painted with red, white, and/or black pigments. Skilled artists are usually commissioned to carve the doorboards.
The small holes, which are typical for these doors, help keep the houses warm in the cold mountain climates by retaining heat. In the past, they were also meant to be easily defended in the case of an enemy attack.
Central Highlands, Papua New Guinea
Wood and natural pigments
Early 20th century, 280 cm
Provenance: Philip Goldman, London

Price:  €  5.000,-