Lot No. 124


An important middle Sepik oratory chair, Papua New Guinea.


An important middle Sepik oratory chair, Papua New Guinea. - Tribal Art

Early 20th century. H. 102 cm. This Orator’s Stool was not meant to sit on, but is used during village meetings, debates and tribal ceremonies. Every villager can ask to speak while placing sticks and leaves on the chair to emphasize their opinion. It is fitting that it was collected in situ by an outspoken activist: Grace Munro. She was an early fighter for women’s rights in Australia and visited Papua New Guinea in 1914 with Sir Hubert Murray, and afterwards the Trobriand Islan and Fly River. In 1928 she accompanied the administrator, Brigadier General E. A. Wisdom visiting the Mandated Territory of New Guinea 400 miles up the Sepik River.

Provenance:
Collection Grace Emily Munro
(1879–1964);
Kevin Conru, London.

Specialist: Joris Visser Joris Visser
+32-2-514 00 34

Joris.Visser@dorotheum.com

04.12.2018 - 14:00

Estimate:
EUR 50,000.- to EUR 55,000.-

An important middle Sepik oratory chair, Papua New Guinea.


Early 20th century. H. 102 cm. This Orator’s Stool was not meant to sit on, but is used during village meetings, debates and tribal ceremonies. Every villager can ask to speak while placing sticks and leaves on the chair to emphasize their opinion. It is fitting that it was collected in situ by an outspoken activist: Grace Munro. She was an early fighter for women’s rights in Australia and visited Papua New Guinea in 1914 with Sir Hubert Murray, and afterwards the Trobriand Islan and Fly River. In 1928 she accompanied the administrator, Brigadier General E. A. Wisdom visiting the Mandated Territory of New Guinea 400 miles up the Sepik River.

Provenance:
Collection Grace Emily Munro
(1879–1964);
Kevin Conru, London.

Specialist: Joris Visser Joris Visser
+32-2-514 00 34

Joris.Visser@dorotheum.com


Buyers hotline Mon.-Fri.: 10.00am - 5.00pm
kundendienst@dorotheum.at

+43 1 515 60 200
Auction: Tribal Art
Auction type: Saleroom auction
Date: 04.12.2018 - 14:00
Location: Vienna | Palais Dorotheum
Exhibition: 01.12. - 04.12.2018