ANCESTOR FIGURE – RAMU RIVER – PAPUA NEW GUINEA – early 20th C

DESCRIPTION/EXPERTISE
This piece exhibits a brownish patina with some remains of kaolin, characterized by a big, tapering head with curvilinear ornaments and by the beak-like nose with pierced septum, elaborate carving. The “beak-style” is characteristic for figures of the Lower Sepik area and refers to the close connection between man and bird. The bird is said to carry the souls into the other world (“soul bird”).

MEDIUM
Light-weighted wood

SIZE

PROVENANCE

PRICE
€ 2.700

All dimensions are without the mounting