Papua New Guinea

Old Fine Large Female Ancestor Figure, Iatmul, Papua New Guinea, PNG, Oceanic

Old Fine Large Female Ancestor Figure, Iatmul, Papua New Guinea, PNG, Oceanic
Old Fine Large Female Ancestor Figure, Iatmul, Papua New Guinea, PNG, Oceanic
Old Fine Large Female Ancestor Figure, Iatmul, Papua New Guinea, PNG, Oceanic
Old Fine Large Female Ancestor Figure, Iatmul, Papua New Guinea, PNG, Oceanic
Old Fine Large Female Ancestor Figure, Iatmul, Papua New Guinea, PNG, Oceanic
Old Fine Large Female Ancestor Figure, Iatmul, Papua New Guinea, PNG, Oceanic
Old Fine Large Female Ancestor Figure, Iatmul, Papua New Guinea, PNG, Oceanic
Old Fine Large Female Ancestor Figure, Iatmul, Papua New Guinea, PNG, Oceanic
Old Fine Large Female Ancestor Figure, Iatmul, Papua New Guinea, PNG, Oceanic
Old Fine Large Female Ancestor Figure, Iatmul, Papua New Guinea, PNG, Oceanic

Old Fine Large Female Ancestor Figure, Iatmul, Papua New Guinea, PNG, Oceanic
To see more fine oceanic artefacts. This stunning raw organic large old Female Iatmul Ancestor Spirit figure is made of a very heavy iron wood. It is a striking sculpture with a powerful presence.

Male and female figures of ancestor spirits are made and used by cultures such as the Iatmul and the Sawos, who live in the Middle Sepik River region of New Guinea. The figures usually represent significant deceased family members, although among the Sawos they also represent supernatural spirits known as waken or wan. The spirits represented by the sculptures were solicited to help with the success of vital activities such as hunting, fishing, good crops, and raiding expeditions, as well as for help with illness and fertility.

These spirits were believed to be benevolent, but they were also believed to be dangerous if not treated with respect and given the proper offerings. This piece would have been used in a fertility ritual. Ancestor spirit figures are kept in the mens ceremonial houses, made and viewed only by initiated men, who also performed the required ancestry rituals to the spirits. The men of that community are the only people who know the specific history behind each of the ancestor spirit figures and whom the figure represents; therefore, while the figures are highly individualized because they are made to represent specific people or spirits, they usually cannot be identified once they leave the community. This is a fine old sculpture of far higher quality than is usually found and is truly a rare museum quality organic piece. The piece has been flame dried over an open fire showcasing its early origins. The estimated age of the piece is between 1950s to 1960s.

This is not always possible given the sizes and unique packing requirements for each unique piece. Can also insure package if required. STANDS ARE NOT INCLUDED WITH ANY ITEM. Pictures make up part of the description.

The item "Old Fine Large Female Ancestor Figure, Iatmul, Papua New Guinea, PNG, Oceanic" is in sale since Wednesday, January 8, 2020. This item is in the category "Antiques\Ethnographic\Pacific Islands & Oceania". The seller is "bubble_artefacts" and is located in Wurtulla, QLD. This item can be shipped to Australia, United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, France, New Zealand.
  • Material: Wood
  • Original/Reproduction: Original
  • Provenance: Iatmul
  • Product Type: Carvings
  • Originating Region: Papua New Guinea
  • Era: 1960s

Old Fine Large Female Ancestor Figure, Iatmul, Papua New Guinea, PNG, Oceanic