Late 20th Century Large Papua New Guinea Ancestral Spirit Figure - Sepik River/Abelam Style

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Description

Striking, hand-carved ancestral figure sculpture from Papua New Guinea, Sepik River. Purchased directly from the tribe in the 1990's by … Read more Striking, hand-carved ancestral figure sculpture from Papua New Guinea, Sepik River. Purchased directly from the tribe in the 1990's by my family and we have loved it ever since!
This dramatic piece features a tall elongated body, deeply carved musculature, and a powerful presence. The headdress is richly embellished with cowrie shells and fiber/raffia, signifying status and protective symbolism. the figure holds a stylized animal (possibly a crocodile) emerging from the chest.
The carving is done from a single heavy piece of wood with beautiful hand-worked details and a matte, smoke-darkened patina.

Good vintage tribal condition. See less