Iatmul horned spirit figure (agiba), East Sepik River, Papua New Guinean, large

Dimensions: H: 75cm (29.5). This hand-carved wooden agiba spirit figure comes from the Iatmul people of the East Sepik River region in Papua New Guinea.

Figures like this were used in ancestral veneration and ceremonial practices, representing protective spirits tied to clan identity. Carved from a single piece of hardwood, the figure stands at approximately 29.5 inches tall, with elongated blackened horns rising from the crown. The face is intricately painted in red, white, and black pigments, with cowrie shells set into the eyes. Fiber remnants remain attached to the sides. Raised, textured carvings accentuate the arms and shoulders, while the body is positioned in a crouched stance, hands resting on the lower body.

Traces of natural pigments highlight the figure's decorative elements. The expert carving and intricate detailing reflect the traditional techniques of the Iatmul people. Made in the early to mid-20th century, this figure embodies the enduring spiritual and artistic traditions of the Sepik River region.

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