Ancestor Figure
Artist
Unknown
Date19th century (?)
MediumWood, rattan, tapa, and paint
Dimensions33 3/8 x 7 1/8 x 9 in. (84.8 x 18.1 x 22.9 cm)
ClassificationsMixed Media
Credit LineGift of Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Hanes
Object number86.12
On View
Not on viewThis squat, somber figure with his hands placed on his hips is typical of the art found in the basin of New Guinea’s Sepik River, which flows from the center to the central east coast of the island. The region, occupied by approximately thirty-five distinct cultural groups, each speaking a different language, is one of the richest art-producing areas of New Guinea.
The figure represents an important and powerful ancestor of a clan. He wears a tapa (bark) loincloth and plaited rattan armbands. The elongated conical cap originally supported a wig. Incised designs on the figure represent the body scarification of its owner. Traces of paint indicate that it was further adorned with patterns in black, white, yellow, and red. The image was used to provide a temporary abode for the spirit of the ancestor, so that he would use his power to ensure his descendants’ prosperity and success in hunting, fishing, and agriculture. Such figures also were used during the initiation ceremonies of the sons and brothers of the ancestors.
Published ReferencesMary Ellen Soles, entry for Ancestor Figure (Kandimbing), in North Carolina Museum of Art: Handbook of the Collections, Rebecca Martin Nagy, ed. (Raleigh: North Carolina Museum of Art, 1998), 47, 51, illus. (color) 51.
Mary Ellen Soles, entry for Ancestor Figure, in North Carolina Museum of Art: Handbook of the Collections, rev. ed. (Raleigh: North Carolina Museum of Art, 2010), 106, illus. (color) 107.
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