This elegant piece is a presentation axe from the Massim people of southeast Papua New Guinea. Elaborately carved axes such as this are ceremonial and basically serve to hold and present the valuable and cherished stone axe blade-that is why the carved decoration is normally found on only one side-the side facing up during presentation. This example is very old and very fine with classic Massim abstract and figurative motifs carved in high relief upon the handle. There are holes along the top where shell attachments would have been strung to enhance the value of the gift. This axe is 28 ½" from tip to tip, dates to the early 20th century. sold