Ancestor Figure Upper Sepik River East Sepik Province Papua New Guinea
Collection No. | T-3553 |
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Size | Height 80cm |
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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