No. 100105715

Sold
Set of two spirit figures lower Sepik - west papua  (No reserve price)
Final bid
€ 41
6 days ago

Set of two spirit figures lower Sepik - west papua (No reserve price)

This impressive pair of spirit figures originates from the Lower Sepik area, collected in the village of Mindimbit. Carved with strong presence and expressive power, the figures embody ancestral and protective spirits central to Sepik belief systems. According to local tradition, these figures were kept in the men’s house, where they served as guardians, protecting the families of the men and ensuring spiritual balance within the community. Their role was both symbolic and active, mediating between the visible world and the realm of spirits. The carving is confident and mature, with pronounced facial features and carefully balanced proportions. The surfaces show a deep, natural patina, bearing traces of ritual handling, age, and long-term placement within a sacred interior space. Such pairs were often conceived as complementary forces, reinforcing their protective function. Figures of this quality and clear provenance are increasingly rare. Their collection from Mindimbit preserves a direct connection to place, function, and belief. Together, they form a powerful and evocative ensemble from an earlier cultural context, equally significant as ethnographic artifacts and as outstanding works of Oceanic art. A museum-quality pair, offering both spiritual depth and strong visual impact, and a distinguished addition to any serious Sepik collection. We pack with care, sending all over the world for 35 years already A must have for collectors, ethnographers, ethnologists, anthropologists and museums Sold by Koos Knol, ethnographer and anthropologist, dealer of Papua Tribal Art for more than 30 years, expert and author of the book “Papua Blues”, written in Dutch. (Maybe in English next year.)  Published end of October 2024 A book about inside stories, a book that deals with the many encounters with special people in West Papua, the impressive experiences that the author has, about special encounters with men and women who tell him about secret things, about ethnographic objects and initiate him into the rituals and ceremonies. A must have for collectors, ethnographers, ethnologists, anthropologists and museums Google: Papua Blues Koos Knol

No. 100105715

Sold
Set of two spirit figures lower Sepik - west papua  (No reserve price)

Set of two spirit figures lower Sepik - west papua (No reserve price)

This impressive pair of spirit figures originates from the Lower Sepik area, collected in the village of Mindimbit. Carved with strong presence and expressive power, the figures embody ancestral and protective spirits central to Sepik belief systems.

According to local tradition, these figures were kept in the men’s house, where they served as guardians, protecting the families of the men and ensuring spiritual balance within the community. Their role was both symbolic and active, mediating between the visible world and the realm of spirits.

The carving is confident and mature, with pronounced facial features and carefully balanced proportions. The surfaces show a deep, natural patina, bearing traces of ritual handling, age, and long-term placement within a sacred interior space. Such pairs were often conceived as complementary forces, reinforcing their protective function.

Figures of this quality and clear provenance are increasingly rare. Their collection from Mindimbit preserves a direct connection to place, function, and belief. Together, they form a powerful and evocative ensemble from an earlier cultural context, equally significant as ethnographic artifacts and as outstanding works of Oceanic art.

A museum-quality pair, offering both spiritual depth and strong visual impact, and a distinguished addition to any serious Sepik collection.


We pack with care, sending all over the world for 35 years already

A must have for collectors, ethnographers, ethnologists, anthropologists and museums

Sold by Koos Knol, ethnographer and anthropologist, dealer of Papua Tribal Art for more than 30 years, expert and author of the book “Papua Blues”, written in Dutch. (Maybe in English next year.)  Published end of October 2024
A book about inside stories, a book that deals with the many encounters with special people in West Papua, the impressive experiences that the author has, about special encounters with men and women who tell him about secret things, about ethnographic objects and initiate him into the rituals and ceremonies.
A must have for collectors, ethnographers, ethnologists, anthropologists and museums

Google: Papua Blues Koos Knol

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