Lot 24A
Oceania, Melanesia, Papua New Guinea, Admiralty Islands, ca. late 19th century CE. A commanding carved wood ancestor figure from the Admiralty Islands, depicting a standing nude female with pronounced anatomical detail, including small rounded breasts and delineated genitalia. The figure's elongated proportions are accentuated by the angular, faceted carving style, the torso narrowing into long legs set upon an integral stepped base. The head bears a high conical hat, tapering to a flat crown, and flanked by large, openwork rectangular hoop earrings carved in one with the head. The facial features are schematically rendered with a long straight nose, recessed almond eyes, and a small closed mouth, all imbued with a solemn, enduring presence. Such figures were created to embody the presence of important female ancestors, serving as conduits of spiritual protection, fertility, and clan continuity. Size: 2.5" L x 4.4" W x 19.7" H (6.4 cm x 11.2 cm x 50 cm); 20" H (50.8 cm) on included custom stand.
The stylistic synthesis of geometric abstraction and carefully preserved symbolic attributes - the headdress denoting elevated status, the earrings reflecting wealth or ritual identity - situates this piece within the broader sculptural traditions of the Admiralty Islands, while retaining the individuality of hand-carved form. The survival of such works from the 19th century is rare, given the fragility of wood in the region's humid climate, making this an exceptional and culturally resonant example.
Provenance: Ralph T. Coe Center for the Arts, Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA, purchased in May 2001; ex-Taylor Dale Gallery, Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA; ex-Pierre Bovis, purchased in the early 1980s; ex-Asher Eskenazi, Paris, France; ex-London, UK sales room, sold in the late 1970's
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#196375
- Condition: Some stable fissures and scattered areas of old, inactive insect damage. Nicks and abrasions commensurate with age, but, otherwise, intact and excellent with rich patina to surface
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