A second tribal-art bark painting from Papua New Guinea, mid 20th century, this one built around ringed eyes and a crossed center that anchor the whole composition. The marks are bold and the ground is bark, with the pigment sitting matte and chalky against its natural texture. The design reads most closely to the Sepik region tradition.
It is framed in wood and stands vertical at almost five feet, a size that holds its own on a tall wall. The ringed eyes draw the viewer in from across a room, and the crossed center gives the eye a place to rest. Hang it alone over a console or as the single large piece in an entry.
Specifications
- Era: Mid 20th century
- Origin: Papua New Guinea; style reads most closely to the Sepik region
- Material: Natural pigments on bark, wood frame
- Size: 32.5"(W) x 2.5"(D) x 59"(H), overall framed
- Color: Earth tones with ringed eye motifs against the bark ground
- Condition: Wear consistent with age and use, including natural variation in the bark and minor surface wear. This is part of its character and historical value.
This framed vintage Papua New Guinea bark painting with ringed eyes measures 32.5 inches wide, 2.5 inches deep and 59 inches high overall. It is a mid 20th century painting in natural pigments on bark, set in a wood frame.
Q: How do collectors judge a bark painting's condition?
A: Look for stable pigment, an intact bark surface and no active flaking. Gentle fading, small cracks along the grain and slight edge wear are expected on a mid 20th century piece and are part of its age.
Q: What do the ringed eyes and crossed center mean?
A: Eyes and crossed forms recur across Oceanic painted work, often as watchful or protective motifs. We describe the design as we see it and do not claim a specific meaning for this panel.
(Requires White Glove Delivery)
**Please bear in mind that colors of products shown may vary slightly from their original color due to monitor display settings or photography studio
