Sepik River Ancestral Bat Figure Carving New Guinea Ron Perry Provenance
Offered for sale is an impressive 23-inch ancestral bat figure carving from the Middle Sepik River region of Papua New Guinea, acquired directly from the Ron Perry Arizona Room collection. This striking anthropomorphic carving blends human and animal forms, a classic hallmark of Sepik tribal art where the bat (or giant flying fox) serves as a vital totem and ancestral spirit. It features a stylized face intricately adorned with traditional incised tribal patterns, a detailed female torso, and expansive, sweeping wings structured with defined ribbed lines. 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 exceptional scale, powerful symmetry, and authentic character, making it a stellar addition to any collection of Oceanic, ethnographic, or tribal art.Ancestral Bat Spirit Carving (Anthropomorphic Figure). Wombum Village, Papua New Guinea. Mid to Late 20th Century. 23" W × 9" H × 3.5 D.
Indigenous hardwood and natural earth pigments. Acquired directly from the Ron Perry Arizona Room collection. This piece exhibits authentic, stable aging, beautiful native patination, and minor surface wear consistent with age and/or 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.