Magic Charm

Sepik River, Papua New Guinea
19th Century
Previous Collection: Serge Brigoni

This small figure contains all of the power and strength of a large size village figure. Carved with non metal tools; this exceedingly ambitious figure is of an ancestor holding his beard while a lizard is perched on top of his head. Not only is the septum pierced; there is wonderful use of deep negative space in the figures torso. Small figures like this were used as magic charms on necklaces; or on personal net bags or even worn in the beard’s of elders. The surface has some slight areas of erosion but is in otherwise excellent condition for its age.

This figurine stands 5 inches tall.

SOLD / IN 8-12-10