Papua-New Guinea, Middle Sepik River area. Sawos (?). Female Ancestor Figure. Wood. Height: 62 ½ inches Width: 13 inches D...

Description

Papua-New Guinea, Middle Sepik River area
Sawos (?)
Female Ancestor Figure
Wood
Height: 62 ½ inches Width: 13 inches Depth: 7 inches

Such near-life-sized figures frequently represented particularly revered ancestors, or even clan founders. These figures usually had personal names, although this information seldom was recorded at the time of collection. The slightly concave back of this figure suggests that it may have been tied to a major post within the men's house. Extant figures with cowry shell inset eyes and cowry shell headbands indicate the probable source for the eye treatment and headband here. An attached tag reads "A-218/ post figure/ saraba". There is heavy overall age weathering, resulting in cracking and wood loss, including loss of all of the proper right foot and most of the proper left.

Provenance: Eduardo Munt, Potts Point, NSW, Australia



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