Antique Wooden Stool – Turtle Shape – Papua New Guinea, Sepik Region, c. 1900

Antique Wooden Stool – Turtle Shape – Papua New Guinea, Sepik Region, c. 1900

A unique hand-carved wooden stool from Papua New Guinea, likely originating from the Sepik region, circa 1900. This sculptural piece is carved from a single block of wood and depicts a stylized turtle — a powerful symbol in local culture representing wisdom, stability, and ancestral connection.

With its low, curved form and protruding legs, the stool traditionally served as a headrest or low seat. It was likely used in a ceremonial context or by an elder of high social status. The worn top surface shows signs of long use, and the wood bears an authentic, natural patina that gives the piece a warm, aged character.

Such wooden turtle stools are characteristic of the Iatmul and Boiken peoples along the Sepik River. They are widely recognized as valuable examples of Oceanic folk art and are held in collections including the Smithsonian Institution and the Bowers Museum.

This exceptional piece is not only a functional artifact, but also a museum-worthy object for collectors of tribal art, ethnographica, or design enthusiasts drawn to authentic, organic forms.

Approx. dimensions: 42 x 24 x 13 cm
Provenance: ex-collection Michoutouchkine & Pilioko, Oceania
Material: hardwood, hand-carved
Condition: good, with wear consistent with age