Amulet Figure

Murik Lakes River region, Papua New Guinea
19th-early 20th c.

Provenance: Old German colonial collection
Private American collection

Personal amulets in the Sepik River region of Papua New Guinea served a variety of purposes. Lightweight and easily portable, these amulets were typically crafted from wood and often featured distinctive carvings. This particular amulet has bent legs that meet at the base, a slender trunk, and arms that are freely carved. The head is large and oval-shaped, with striking facial features, including a wide, bulbous nose, a protruding chin, and large oval eyes. A pierced loop at the top of the head suggests it was worn as a pendant. Given its small size, it was likely worn as a beard amulet by an elderly, high-ranking community member.