An Abelam carving, Abelam people, Maprik hills, East Sepik province, Papua New Guinea.The tear-drop shaped carving in low relief with flat back, depicting a central head surrounded by bird imagery. Brightly and powerfully painted in yellow, white, red and black designs. This flat board may be a large wengen – a head ornament worn in ceremonial contexts or a piece of a relief for the walls of a men’s house utilized in the displays for the higher initiatory grades. In either case, it is a lovely and delicate carving missing only a small piece of openwork. Acquired by Marc Seidler from Lynda Cunningham, C. 1980. The panel measures 41 inches tall x 19 inches wide.

Good, minor loss, fragile