Rare early Anthropomorphic Stone Figure, Highlands, Mount. Hagen Region, Papua New Guinea. Carved and engraved stone. Stone figures such as these were unearthed in gardens, the story of their makers and purpose unknown. Anthropomorphic stone figurines found in the highlands of New Guinea were believed to be repositories of the powers of fertility and growth. They were used primarily in ritual activities until Christianity largely replaced indigenous ceremonial practices.

Size
Approx L20 x 16cm.

Medium
Ethnographic & Indigenous Artifacts

Provenance
Illustrated in catalogue Fig. 3 Lawsons Auction, Sydney Private collection, New South Wales.

Exhibited
European