Ancestor Figure Upper Sepik River East Sepik Province Papua New Guinea

This beautifully carved old female Ancestor Figure is from the  Sepik River area in the East Sepik Province of Papua New Guinea. The figure was originally once part of a larger carved house post. The house post was part of a Men’s Cult House or Haus Tambaran where sacred ceremonies took place including the initiation of young men.

Made from a single piece of hardwood, she is standing with her hands on her hips, part of a leg and her feet are missing where the once attached to the large house post.

Ancestor figures were an important part of a communities spiritual well being, they offered protection from malevolent forces and help to ensure fertility for gardens growing large yams and taro.

Provenance: Old Australian Collection and The Todd Barlin Collection of Papua New Guinea Art & Oceanic Art.

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