Amulet Figure
Ramu River region,
Papua New Guinea
19th century
Provenance: Ernst Heinrich collection, Stuttgart/Bad Cannstatt. By descent to his daughter. Mia and Loed Van bussel collection, Amsterdam
This Amulet Figure from the Ramu River region is extremely old. The surface is well worn and patinated. The figure is carved with non metal tools in a naturalistic style. It has an inviting and expressive face. The large head in proportion to the body is a common Ramu trait; while the oval shape of the head provides a nice contrast to the squareness of the body, accented by the free form carved arms and legs. There is an old native repair to the left arm, which was cracked. The original piece has been attached with native plant glues. A piercing is visible on the back of the figure’s head, where cord would have been threaded to attach the amulet to a person or bilum bag.
Amulet Figure
Ramu River region,
Papua New Guinea
19th century
Provenance: Ernst Heinrich collection, Stuttgart/Bad Cannstatt. By descent to his daughter. Mia and Loed Van bussel collection, Amsterdam
This Amulet Figure from the Ramu River region is extremely old. The surface is well worn and patinated. The figure is carved with non metal tools in a naturalistic style. It has an inviting and expressive face. The large head in proportion to the body is a common Ramu trait; while the oval shape of the head provides a nice contrast to the squareness of the body, accented by the free form carved arms and legs. There is an old native repair to the left arm, which was cracked. The original piece has been attached with native plant glues. A piercing is visible on the back of the figure’s head, where cord would have been threaded to attach the amulet to a person or bilum bag.