Flute Stopper
Iatmul, Sepik River Papua New Guinea
19th Century
Previous Collection: Marcia and John Friede Collection, Rye, NY

Carved with non-metal tools; this flute stopper is a pure early representation of Iatmul sculpture. The face exudes presence; with its original pigments; shell eyes that gaze out into the spirit world and the emotive toothy grin. This head was used as a stopper for the large sacred flutes used by the Iatmul people. Pierced for attachment, this is an old arch-typical example.

This stopper stands 8 inches in height.

SOLD / 1-10-11