Amulet Figure
Murik Lakes, Papua New Guinea
19th-Early 20th c.
Provenance: Kathleen Haven, NY; Douglas Newton, NY; John Friede, NY
Published: Adrienne Kaeppler, Douglas Newton, Peter Gathercole. The Art of the Pacific Islands. Washington DC: The National Gallery, 1979: 294 (fig.22.3) Caption listing only, no photo of the object.
John A. Friede, editor. New Guinea Art: Masterpieces from the Jolika Collection. San Francisco and Milan: Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco and 5 Continents Editions 2005: 89 (fig. 42).
Exhibited: National Gallery of Art, East Building, Washington DC. The Art of the Pacific Islands, July 1, 1979-February 17, 1980.
DeYoung Museum Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, CA. The Jolika Collection, Marcia and John Friede, 2005-2011.
This diminutive personal amulet hails from the Sepik region in Papua New Guinea, meticulously crafted from hard wood. It was designed to be effortlessly carried by individuals for protection or affixed to objects to ensure success. This specific amulet boasts a linear carving style, revealing a figure characterized by short legs, which are further emphasized by the figure’s gracefully slender torso and intricately carved arms. Atop this amulet rests a distinctive, neck-less oval head, graced with commanding facial features that truly stand out. Notably, the eyes and the hooked nose are elegantly encircled in a distinctive arrow-shaped motif.
Amulet Figure
Murik Lakes, Papua New Guinea
19th-Early 20th c.
Provenance: Kathleen Haven, NY; Douglas Newton, NY; John Friede, NY
Published: Adrienne Kaeppler, Douglas Newton, Peter Gathercole. The Art of the Pacific Islands. Washington DC: The National Gallery, 1979: 294 (fig.22.3) Caption listing only, no photo of the object.
John A. Friede, editor. New Guinea Art: Masterpieces from the Jolika Collection. San Francisco and Milan: Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco and 5 Continents Editions 2005: 89 (fig. 42).
Exhibited: National Gallery of Art, East Building, Washington DC. The Art of the Pacific Islands, July 1, 1979-February 17, 1980.
DeYoung Museum Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, CA. The Jolika Collection, Marcia and John Friede, 2005-2011.
This diminutive personal amulet hails from the Sepik region in Papua New Guinea, meticulously crafted from hard wood. It was designed to be effortlessly carried by individuals for protection or affixed to objects to ensure success. This specific amulet boasts a linear carving style, revealing a figure characterized by short legs, which are further emphasized by the figure’s gracefully slender torso and intricately carved arms. Atop this amulet rests a distinctive, neck-less oval head, graced with commanding facial features that truly stand out. Notably, the eyes and the hooked nose are elegantly encircled in a distinctive arrow-shaped motif.