A tribe member who may of passed away giving birth. Depending on the tribe & their topography around PNG these carvings were placed beforehand into the initiation huts of young tribal boys who face ceremonial rites of passage always facing towards the door to ward off bad spirits. Some particular pieces were made to capture the spirit of the deceased to help with the healing process.
Check the pictures to peruse the way the wood has aged. Brings a beautiful look to the wood.