Wooden Amulet Figure

Keram, lower Sepik River region, Papua New Guinea
19th Century

Provenance: Duperrier Collection, France

Personal amulets were utilized for a variety of reasons in the Sepik River region of Papua New Guinea. Lightweight and easily transportable, these amulets were made of wood and often carved in a very distinct pattern. This particular amulet from the East Sepik Province exhibits short legs, which meet at the base, a slender trunk, and free carved arms. The head is large and oval shaped with distinctive facial features, including a wide shaped pierced nose and large eyes. The figure’s surface has a deep encrusted dark brown patina which enhances this objects allure.