Sepik River Ancestral Bat Figure Carving New Guinea Ron Perry Provenance
Offered for sale is an impressive 25.5-inch ancestral bat wall carving from the Sepik River region of Papua New Guinea, acquired directly from the Ron Perry Arizona Room collection. Created as a powerful depiction of a clan totem, these ceremonial carvings utilized ancestral spirit power to shield traditional dwellings and protect the community from malicious spirits. This finely rendered example is hand-carved from a single piece of indigenous hardwood and features a stylized bat (flying fox) figure with wings extended wide over a carved crescent support bar, decorated with natural earth pigments. The carving was field-collected by Ron Perry, a globally renowned expert and one of the most respected Pacific tribal art authorities of the 20th century.
Beginning his expeditions in 1964, Perry spent over 40 years traveling by canoe up remote waterways and trekking unmapped terrains to collect authentic pieces directly from traditional clans. His credibility in the field is unmatched: following Papua New Guinea's independence in 1975, the PNG National Cultural Council appointed him to manage Village Arts, their government-run indigenous artifact center. This is an outstanding display piece with excellent scale, striking facial motifs, and authentic character, making it an exceptional addition to any collection of Oceanic, ethnographic, or tribal art.
Object: Ancestral Bat Wall Carving (Clan Totem). Region: Wombum Village, Papua New Guinea. Period: Mid to Late 20th Century.
Dimensions: 7.5" H × 25.5" W × 2 D (19 × 65 × 5 cm). Materials: Indigenous hardwood and natural earth pigments (ochre, clay, charcoal). Provenance: Acquired directly from the Ron Perry Arizona Room collection. Condition Note: This piece exhibits authentic, stable aging, beautiful native patination, and minor surface wear consistent with age and traditional use. Please review all photographs carefully, as they are an important part of the description.Most items I list are vintage, antique, or pre-owned and may show signs of age or use. Please review all photos carefully-they're part of the description. Feel free to message me with any questions or to request more photos. Any major flaws will be noted in the description and shown in the photos.