Old Canoe Bow Ornament From The Gulf Papuan Oceania Tribal Art

Inscribed on reverse : WBSTR 1898, also an inventory number in white ink 4830.
Decorated with an intricately carved network of raised abstract designs.
Hard wood with weathered patina

Loss evident at one end ; old insect damage has been stabilized and sealed on reverse.

 Very likely origin froms the renowned Webster collection collection
formed in England in the early part of the 20th century, 

Gulf of Papua Southeast of the island of Papua New Guinea

Height: 93cm
Width: 32cm