49 - A collection of traditional Papua New Guinea archery equipment and ethnographic items. The group includes two bows. The larger bow is carved from dark wood with geometric zigzag patterns at both tips and retains a flat split-bamboo or cane string. The smaller bow features a decorative woven split-cane or grass casing covering the entire length of the limbs. Several arrows are present, constructed with pithy cane or bamboo shafts. These include examples with long, hand-carved wooden barbed tips and composite multi-pronged fish or bird points secured with fiber bindings. Also included is a wooden staff or walking stick topped with a spherical metal pommel and a metal ferrule at the base. The pommel features an embossed crest of a tiger above a scroll. A blackened and relief-decorated scroll bears the legible text WEST YORKS REGT. The larger bow measures approximately 29 1/2" x 4" x 1".

A collection of traditional Papua New Guinea archery equipment and ethnographic items. The group includes two bows. The larger bow is carved from dark wood with geometric zigzag patterns at both tips and retains a flat split-bamboo or cane string. The smaller bow features a decorative woven split-cane or grass casing covering the entire length of the limbs. Several arrows are present, constructed with pithy cane or bamboo shafts. These include examples with long, hand-carved wooden barbed tips and composite multi-pronged fish or bird points secured with fiber bindings. Also included is a wooden staff or walking stick topped with a spherical metal pommel and a metal ferrule at the base. The pommel features an embossed crest of a tiger above a scroll. A blackened and relief-decorated scroll bears the legible text WEST YORKS REGT. The larger bow measures approximately 29 1/2" x 4" x 1". In 1987 Peter and Wendy sailed Papua New Guinea aboard Ron and Valerie Taylor's Reef Explorer with photographer David Doubilet, diving the sunken warships of Milne Bay and New Britain for Peter's National Geographic feature “Ghosts of War in the South Pacific” (April 1988). They came home with weapons, tools and carvings from the Sepik River and the Highlands. The cassowary bone dagger in Lot 48, with its clay mask hilt, is the standout of the group. From the personal collection of Peter Benchley (American, 1940-2006), acclaimed author of Jaws, accomplished diver, and prominent advocate for ocean and shark conservation. Proceeds from the Peter Benchley Collection will benefit five ocean conservation organizations: Peter Benchley Ocean Awards, WildAid, Beneath the Waves, Blue Frontier and Environmental Defense Fund. CONDITION: The collection shows wear consistent with ethnographic use and age. The larger bow has minor surface scratches and wood splits at the tips. The woven casing on the smaller bow shows light fraying and a small area of loss at one end. Arrows exhibit typical wear to the cane shafts; one multi-pronged tip has a broken barb and frayed fiber bindings. The metal pommel on the staff shows significant surface oxidation and pitting throughout the embossed crest, with some loss to the blackened finish on the scroll. NOTICE TO BIDDERS: The absence of a condition report does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition. Photos are considered part of the condition report. Complete condition information is available by request, please request no later than 24 hours prior to the auction. All lots are offered and sold "as is", and Willow Auctions will not provide refunds based on condition. Timepiece movements, lighting and electrics have not been tested, and art has not been examined out of the frame unless otherwise stated.