Lot 0262

19th C. Papua New Guinea Wooden Ancestor Figure

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19th C. Papua New Guinea Wooden Ancestor Figure

Item Details

Description

**Originally Listed At $500**

Oceania, Papua New Guinea, ca. early 20th century CE. A tall, hand-carved wooden ancestor figure. The figure has a simple body, with joined legs, no feet, a narrow torso, and arms hanging down to its waist. Two spikes rise from the shoulders. The head dominates the sculpture, large relative to its body, and is an elongated oval with two large, creamy white cowrie shells as eyes. The figure has two ears, each pierced through twice, perhaps to hold feathers or another decoration. The nose is classically Papuan, long, with curling nostrils, and the face is completed with an enigmatic smile. The body is painted a rich, dark brown organic pigment. Size: 7" W x 40" H (17.8 cm x 101.6 cm); 41.5" H (105.4 cm) on included custom stand.

Ancestor figures like this one were known as "korwar." Korwar were carved to look like the deceased, and were consulted during crises or for advice before an important choice.

Provenance: ex Adeon Gallery, Chicago, Illinois, USA, acquired prior to 1970

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

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#112977

Condition

Inactive insect damage as shown. Light deposits on top of head. Nice remaining form with patina from age and handling.

Buyer's Premium

24.5%

19th C. Papua New Guinea Wooden Ancestor Figure

Name: 19th C. Papua New Guinea Wooden Ancestor Figure
SKU: 61979483
Price: 400 USD
Availability: InStock

Estimate $800 - $1,200

See Sold Price

Starting Price $400

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