This is a small and especially fine “talipoon” bride price payment from the Yangoru Boiken people of the Prince Alexander Mountains. The Yangoru area is just to the east of the Abelam area surrounding Maprik town. These talipoon consist of a cut and polished green turban sea shell with a plaited cane ancestral or bush spirit face attached. This example is exceptional for its fineness and age. The shell has been polished smooth—thus making this one a female “hauri”—and has developed a lustrous golden brown patina to it. The cane face is classic leaf shape, nice remains of pigments and thin tubular eyes. The piece dates to the early 20th century, stands 14” as mounted. sold