Papua New Guinea Sepik River Latmul Ancestor Woodcarving Statue Bird God Rooster

Iatmul culture woodcarving from Central Sepik River region of Papua New Guinea. Male ancestor figure with short legs and rounded buttocks. Face and body are tattooed. Body is painted red on one side and black on the other. Face is decorated with well worn geometric designs in white.

Cowrie shell eyes and rope lanyards at waist, neck and ankles. A large stylized bird rides on the figures back, probably a rooster, with elongated crocodile-like body painted in red, white and yellow ochre pigments.

CONDITION - Typical wear from age and display. Small drying crack on wrists of bird figure, visible in photos.

DIMENSIONS - 24 3/4"H x 6" W x 6 D.

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