Ancestor Figure
ClassificationsSculpture
Cultureprobably
Iatmul
Datemid 20th Century
Made AtEast Sepik Province, Papua New Guinea
MediumWood, clay, fiber, cowrie shell and pigment
Dimensions36 × 7 × 4 1/2 in. (91.4 × 17.8 × 11.4 cm)
Credit LineAnonymous Gift
Object number2018.14.38
DescriptionThis is a standing wood funerary sculpture of a man probably created by the Iatmul people of the Middle Sepik River region of Papua New Guinea in the twentieth century. These funerary figures were created by members of the deceased’s clan and then decorated with objects depicting feats they accomplished. They serve the dual role of honoring the recently deceased and as individuals and as embodiments of their great ancestors. The concepts of mortality and immortality are prevalently featured in Iatmul art and other Sepik cultures. Funerary tradition along the Sepik is rich, and is heavily represented by multi-medium objects created by the Iatmul. The Iatmul carving style emphasizes the use of the human face over the elaboration of other body parts. Much of Iatmul art incorporates the human faces; such as standing figures, masks, and overmolded human skulls. Human figures are often associated with animal carving, and decorated with shell, feathers, fur, and paint. The dominant medium is carved wood, although human skulls restored in clay and the use of paint is common.On View
Not on viewCollections
early to mid 20th Century
