Description:

Oceania, Papua New Guinea, North Maprik District, Abelam people, ca. early to mid 20th century CE. A hand-carved wooden zoomorphic effigy in the form of an abstract bird standing atop a small brown perch. The bird is defined by an ovoid body, a short tail, a dramatically curved neck, and a slender head with a lengthy beak. Thick layers of white, yellow, red, and black pigment accentuate the minimalist avian features and imbue it with an intriguing presentation. Colorful carvings like this are used in a variety of ritual and initiation ceremonies because the Abelam believe paint imbues its surface - whether stone, wood, or flesh - with magical and supernatural powers. Size: 11" W x 26.5" H (27.9 cm x 67.3 cm).

Provenance: private Tucson, Arizona, USA collection, acquired between 1950 and 1985

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#147684

  • Condition: Beak reattached to head, with small chips and light adhesive residue along break line. Minor abrasions and nicks to perch, tail, body, and head, with chipping and fading to original pigmentation, several stable fissures, and inactive insect damage. Nice earthen deposits and traces of original pigmentation throughout.

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July 25, 2019 7:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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