Vintage 20th C Papua New Guinea Carved Wood Bioma Figure Oceanic Art
Up for sale is this vintage 20th C Papua New Guinea carved wooden anthropomorphic male spirit figure with fantastic hand-painted details with white and red pigments. I believe this is a Bioma figure from the Yupno Valley of the Morobe Region. Bioma are spirit figures that were part of large presentations of objects in men's ceremonial houses, which included skulls of ancestors, enemies, crocodiles and pigs, as well as other objects. The energetic and symmetrical silhouette carved in low relief on one side of a red and white painted board is typical of bioma design.
The legs are bowed to fit over one of the skulls on display. This carving is a large, tall piece highly stylized and beautifully done by hand. A wonderful and original work of Oceanic Art and a vintage 20th C original. The back has a hand-written note that says "New Guinea 80s" though the wood and wear seem to suggest it could be older which is why I date this between the 1960s and 1980s.
The colors and low relief are really nice - the face, body, and limbs are all very well-executed in a primitive style. In great overall condition with no losses. Some minor wear and some natural age splits - one on the back which looks to have been filled with some glue to prevent further splitting.It doesn't go through to the front and is only seen on the back. Really a fine piece that displays incredibly well! Measures 26" inches tall and 6" inches wide and 0.6 inch thick (66 cm, 15.2 cm, 1.5 cm).
Would make a fantastic display piece, fine addition to a collection, or a great gift! If you're looking for vintage / unique, one-of-a-kind items for yourself, or as gifts for someone else, you've come to the right store! I take pride in bringing you quality handmade art of all kinds and even rare antiques and treasures from around the world! Please enjoy all the photos provided and feel free to ask questions. Browse my other arts and collectibles from all around the world.
This item is in the category "Antiques\Ethnographic\Pacific Islands & Oceania". The seller is "cleming888" and is located in this country: US. This item can be shipped worldwide.- Color: Brown
- Original/Reproduction: Original
- Style: Pacific Islands & Oceania
- Material: Wood