WOVEN TOTEM FIGURE, Abelam, prince Alexander Mountains, Papua New Guinea

These rather unique figures, woven of cane, are mounted on a fine black palm stick. It represents a clan ancestral totem - more animal than human in its form.

They become part of an elaborate headdress that is worn for big ceremonies. The most important of these ceremonies is the initiation of young men. Size left: 36.4 cm (length) 16.5 cm (width) 7 cm (depth). Size right: 36 cm (length) 13 cm (width) 6.2 cm (depth).

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