Ancestor Figure

Fly River, Papua New Guinea
19th Century
Previous Collection: Alan Frumpkin, Chicago (A dealer who sold many fine objects to well known collection Raymond Weilgus)
John and Marcia Friede Rye NY


The thinly formed archaic body with expressive face consisting of original shell inlaid eyes, arrow shaped nose and elongated pierced through ears show the early nature of 19th century Fly River artistry. Carved from very hard wood with non-metal tools, this example possesses good use of negative space and a deep patina with old embedded pigments from generations of use. Considering the age of the figure it is in excellent condition.

This figure stands 9.5” tall.

SOLD / 5-11-11