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ID #SA955045
FOR SALE
£495
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Sepik River Crocodile Canoe Prow Carving, C1880
For sale by Curious Antiques
for sale €579     $629
£495

Curious Antiques

Sellingantiques Verified Since Jun 2015
Browse dealers 139 items
Id #SA955045
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Sepik River Crocodile Canoe Prow Carving, C1880

19th century
For Sale by Curious Antiques
Description

Large carved canoe prow in the form of a Crocodile head,c1880. This tribal piece originates from the Sepik river area of Papua New Guinea where canoes are the primary mode of transport. Crocodiles feature strongly in tribal mythology and of course are a threat in real life so the carving is designed to keep the canoe occupants safe by fooling any real crocodiles into thinking they have encountered a fellow Croc. It has real decorative appeal, simply carved in a tribal fashion it is clearly hand carved. The wood has taken on great colour/patina. Overall condition is good , the carving is solid and structurally sound there are age related splits and small losses to the end, presumably where it was originally joined to the canoe. All exactly as you would expect from a genuine old example. Please refer to the detailed photographs and feel free to contact me if you would like to view the item or have any questions.

Price includes FREE UK delivery, please contact me regarding international shipping.

Size: 55 cm long/wide x 27cm deep x12 cm tall, weight 1.8kg.

Physical Dimensions
Height
12cm (4.72")
Width
55cm (21.65")
Depth
27cm (10.63")
Declaration

Curious Antiques has dated this Sepik Crocodile Canoe Prow to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA955045
Dealers Notes

Curious Antiques specialises in sourcing fine, rare and unusual antiques and curiosities. We are passionate about customer satisfaction and will do all we can to ensure you are happy and in the unlikely event you are not offer a no questions asked returns policy. We accept payment via paypal, bank transfer, cheque and cash.

Description
Large carved canoe prow in the form of a Crocodile head,c1880.
“
This tribal piece originates from the Sepik river area of Papua New Guinea where canoes are the primary mode of transport.
Curious Antiques

Crocodiles feature strongly in tribal mythology and of course are a threat in real life so the carving is designed to keep the canoe occupants safe by fooling any real crocodiles into thinking they have encountered a fellow Croc. It has real decorative appeal, simply carved in a tribal fashion it is clearly hand carved. The wood has taken on great colour/patina. Overall condition is good , the carving is solid and structurally sound there are age related splits and small losses to the end, presumably where it was originally joined to the canoe. All exactly as you would expect from a genuine old example. Please refer to the detailed photographs and feel free to contact me if you would like to view the item or have any questions.

Price includes FREE UK delivery, please contact me regarding international shipping.

Size: 55 cm long/wide x 27cm deep x12 cm tall, weight 1.8kg.

Height
12cm (4.72")
Width
55cm (21.65")
Depth
27cm (10.63")
Date of Manufacture

Curious Antiques has dated this Sepik Crocodile Canoe Prow to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA955045
Curious Antiques
Sellingantiques verified Since Jun 2015
Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Curious Antiques Profile Page

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A carved wooden canoe prow shaped like a stylised crocodile head with weathered grey timber and incised geometric details around the eyes.
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Archive I A carved wooden canoe prow shaped like a stylised crocodile head with weathered grey timber and incised geometric details around the eyes.

Sepik River Crocodile Canoe Prow Carving, C1880

Archive II A carved wooden canoe prow shaped like a stylised crocodile head with weathered grey timber and incised geometric details around the eyes. View II
Archive III A carved wooden canoe prow shaped like a stylised crocodile head with weathered grey timber and incised geometric details around the eyes. View III
Archive IV A carved wooden canoe prow shaped like a stylised crocodile head with weathered grey timber and incised geometric details around the eyes. View IV
Archive V A carved wooden canoe prow shaped like a stylised crocodile head with weathered grey timber and incised geometric details around the eyes. View V
Archive VI A carved wooden canoe prow shaped like a stylised crocodile head with weathered grey timber and incised geometric details around the eyes. View VI
Archive VII A carved wooden canoe prow shaped like a stylised crocodile head with weathered grey timber and incised geometric details around the eyes. View VII
Archive VIII A carved wooden canoe prow shaped like a stylised crocodile head with weathered grey timber and incised geometric details around the eyes. View VIII
Archive IX A carved wooden canoe prow shaped like a stylised crocodile head with weathered grey timber and incised geometric details around the eyes. View IX
Archive X A carved wooden canoe prow shaped like a stylised crocodile head with weathered grey timber and incised geometric details around the eyes. View X
Archive XI A carved wooden canoe prow shaped like a stylised crocodile head with weathered grey timber and incised geometric details around the eyes. View XI
Archive XII A carved wooden canoe prow shaped like a stylised crocodile head with weathered grey timber and incised geometric details around the eyes. View XII
Archive XIII A carved wooden canoe prow shaped like a stylised crocodile head with weathered grey timber and incised geometric details around the eyes. View XIII
Archive XIV A carved wooden canoe prow shaped like a stylised crocodile head with weathered grey timber and incised geometric details around the eyes. View XIV
Archive XV A carved wooden canoe prow shaped like a stylised crocodile head with weathered grey timber and incised geometric details around the eyes. View XV
Archive XVI A carved wooden canoe prow shaped like a stylised crocodile head with weathered grey timber and incised geometric details around the eyes. View XVI
Archive XVII A carved wooden canoe prow shaped like a stylised crocodile head with weathered grey timber and incised geometric details around the eyes. View XVII
Archive XVIII A carved wooden canoe prow shaped like a stylised crocodile head with weathered grey timber and incised geometric details around the eyes. View XVIII
Archive XIX A carved wooden canoe prow shaped like a stylised crocodile head with weathered grey timber and incised geometric details around the eyes. View XIX
Archive XX A carved wooden canoe prow shaped like a stylised crocodile head with weathered grey timber and incised geometric details around the eyes. View XX
Archive XXI A carved wooden canoe prow shaped like a stylised crocodile head with weathered grey timber and incised geometric details around the eyes. View XXI
Enlarged Archival View

Curious Antiques
Telephone 07795 237 189
Location
Curious Antiques
Timeline Antiques Centre
Midland Road
North Walsham
Norfolk
NR28 9JR
United Kingdom
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/curious
Verified Since Jun 2015
Items For Sale 139
Items Sold 372
Curious Antiques
Verified Since Jun 2015
View Dealer Info
Location: Curious Antiques, Timeline Antiques Centre, Midland Road, North Walsham, Norfolk, NR28 9JR, United Kingdom
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/curious
Verified
Jun 2015
For Sale
139
Sold
372
A carved wooden canoe prow shaped like a stylised crocodile head with weathered grey timber and incised geometric details around the eyes.
Sepik River Crocodile Canoe Prow Carving, c1880
Ref: SA955045
A carved wooden canoe prow shaped like a stylised crocodile head with weathered grey timber and incised geometric details around the eyes.
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FAQs

Originating from the Sepik region of Papua New Guinea, these carved wood objects were mounted on the bow of dugout canoes. The crocodile holds spiritual significance in local culture, representing protection, strength, and ancestral connection during river navigation.

Traditional craftsmen carved these objects from a single block of dense native hardwood using adzes and chisels. Surfaces were detailed with incised geometric patterns and finished using natural earth pigments, river mud, or plant juices.

Authentic historical examples feature genuine age patina, smooth wear along handling areas, and structural erosion from prolonged exposure to river water and weather. Genuine carvings display hand-carved tool marks rather than uniform modern machine cuts.

Position the carving as a sculptural statement piece on a dark wooden sideboard, open shelving unit, or within a bespoke display case. The organic, weathered timber texture contrasts effectively against clean architectural lines and neutral wall tones.

Display the carving in a stable climate-controlled environment away from direct sunlight, radiators, and extreme moisture fluctuations to prevent timber splitting. Dust gently with a dry, soft-bristled brush and avoid liquid cleaners or wax treatments.
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