Ancestor Figure - 雕刻 - Iatmul - 巴布亞紐幾內亞

IATML ANCESTOR FIGURE - MIDDLE SEPik REGION, PAPUA NEW GUINEA

This exquisitely carved figure corresponds closely to the specific type of ancestor figures illustrated and discussed by Dr. Georg Aumann in 'Kunst und Kunsthandwerk aus Neuguinea: Die Neuguinea-Sammlung des Natur-Museums Coburg'.

The facial motifs are characteristically Iatmul, referencing decoration patterns worn during life.
Similar scarification designs appear on structural food hooks, overmodeled ancestral skulls, and the sacred flute stoppers of the region.

Both the ears and nose are pierced and adorned with natural plant fibers, while the star-shaped motif around the navel signifies the ritual scarification of an initiated man.

Height: 36 cm

Provenance: Private collection

Note: The referenced book is for illustration purposes only and is not included with this lot.