Ancestor Figure

Angoram Village, Lower Sepik River Region, PNG
19th Century


These board like figures are called ‘Ateis’; they represent important ancestors and the animal carvings symbolize clan totems. With this example; the finely carved bird looks up into the heavens as if acting as protector over the figure it is perched on top of. The figure is carved in classic form with an expressive face and tightly sculpted body that exhibits great negative space between the limbs. The patina is fine and aged from generations of exposure and the original pigments are still intact. This piece has been carved with non-metal tools.

This ancestor figure stands 48 inches tall.

Price upon request / IN 2114