Dance Staff
Southern Abelam, East Sepik Province, Papua New Guinea 19th century
Provenance: Marcia and John Friede Published: New Guinea Art: Masterpieces from the Jolika Collection of Marcia and John Friede, 2005, fig. 309.
This very fine piece reveals its old age, yet excellent preservation, with many layers of pigments (including the famous Reckitt’s Blue) forming a splendid polychrome. The well balanced openwork of the woodcarving gives this staff great formal qualities. The janisform figures, probably representing a yam- growth related spirit (naggwal), are female on one side and male on the other.
Dance Staff
Southern Abelam, East Sepik Province, Papua New Guinea 19th century
Provenance: Marcia and John Friede Published: New Guinea Art: Masterpieces from the Jolika Collection of Marcia and John Friede, 2005, fig. 309.
This very fine piece reveals its old age, yet excellent preservation, with many layers of pigments (including the famous Reckitt’s Blue) forming a splendid polychrome. The well balanced openwork of the woodcarving gives this staff great formal qualities. The janisform figures, probably representing a yam- growth related spirit (naggwal), are female on one side and male on the other.