Staff Finial
The finely polished and rounded finial of this staff from the Massim region of New Guinea tapers to a carved feature depicting a male and a female figure back-to-back. The figures are seated with the legs drawn in toward the body and the legs of both figures join at the center to share a single set of buttocks. The tops of the heads of both figures are flat and the facial features are indicated with incised lines, portions of which bear traces of white lime infill. The eyes are circular and the faces are decorated with incised curvilinear motifs. The upper portion of the staff which extends beneath the figures is adorned with a broad band consisting of interlocking scroll motifs, below which is a short length of unadorned shaft.
Artwork Details
- Title: Staff Finial
- Date: Late19th–early 20th century
- Geography: Papua New Guinea, Trobriands, Milne Bay Province
- Culture: New Guinea, Massim region
- Medium: Wood, traces of lime
- Dimensions: H. 15 in. (38.1 cm)
- Classification: Wood-Implements
- Credit Line: Gift of Fred and Rita Richman, 2013
- Object Number: 2013.1137.21
- Curatorial Department: The Michael C. Rockefeller Wing
More Artwork
A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Mutuaga
1900–1910
Massim region
19th–early 20th century
Massim region
19th–early 20th century
Massim region
late 19th–early 20th century
Massim people
19th–early 20th century
Research Resources
The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.
To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.
Feedback
We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.