PNG Iatmul Middle Sepik River Totemic Element / Implement (?) Pre-contact!

Description

This is a rare, highly unusual and mysterious Iatmul tribe Totemic  Magic element / implement of some sort.
Possibly an Iatmul witchdoctor's wand (?)
This has a thick layer of encrustation.....dark patina...and its pre-contact...(stone / shell sculpted)
It has good provenance - it is Ex John Friede
(a well known name) and if my memory serves me correctly....also Ex Wayne Heathcote.
..with inset cowrie shell eyes (typical Iatmul feature), an iridescent shell nose ornament and a somewhat eerie smile.....haunting expression!
Comes with its custom made stand....
A powerful and very unusual piece
......so much energy.....one of my favorite Sepik pieces!
Measures.....about 11 inches in length and 1.5 inches wide.
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