Miniature Pipe Item Number: 3557/11 from the MOA: University of British Columbia

Description

Pipe sealed inside a plastic bag; bag is secured shut with a paper manufacturer's label stapled over the opening. Pipe is cylindrical with a tapered mouth piece; mouth piece coloured black. Three incised decorative bands along length of pipe; all incisions are coloured in black. Top and bottom band consists of repeating thin triangles, with curved sides; horizontal lines in between triangles. Centre band has alternating triangle pattern; negative space forms a wavy line. Bottom opening of pipe is coloured black; interior is undecorated. Green card inserted into bag, behind pipe, with image of person using one and one of a pipe itself; paragraph of text describes maker, place made, and material.

Narrative

Purchased by the donor in 1974-1975, possibly from the Wire Trade store, located on the Catholic Mission in Wewak. The items were made by the Au people of West Sepik province (Sandaun), possibly in Aitape?