Amulet Figure
Coastal Sepik River region, East Sepik Province, Papua New Guinea
Late 19th c
Provenance: Brian Loar collection, NYC.
Such small figures from the Sepik Coastal area of Papua New Guinea’s north coast west of the mouth of the Sepik River manifested ancestral spirits. The spirits were protective in nature and were often kept in or on a men’s string bag as he travelled from village to village. This particular figure is classic for its deep-set slanted eyes and long, beak-like nose. Notice the smooth and rounded edges that indicate extensive handling.
Amulet Figure
Coastal Sepik River region, East Sepik Province, Papua New Guinea
Late 19th c
Provenance: Brian Loar collection, NYC.
Such small figures from the Sepik Coastal area of Papua New Guinea’s north coast west of the mouth of the Sepik River manifested ancestral spirits. The spirits were protective in nature and were often kept in or on a men’s string bag as he travelled from village to village. This particular figure is classic for its deep-set slanted eyes and long, beak-like nose. Notice the smooth and rounded edges that indicate extensive handling.