ANCESTOR BIRD FIGURE, Iatmul people, Middle Sepik River, Papua New Guinea
Iatmul people, Middle Sepik River. These carved bird figures represent ancestral spirits and have a roll in ritual life, often kept in ceremonial houses and are believed to be protectors or guardians of sacred objects. Sometimes seen as clan motif/totem. Size: 44 cm (length) 9.5 cm (width) 12.5 cm (depth).