Ancestor Figure (Maira)
ClassificationsSculpture
Culture
Wosera Abelam
Dateearly to mid 20th Century
Made AtEast Sepik Province, Papua New Guinea
MediumWood and pigment
Dimensions118 in. (299.7 cm)
Credit LineBowers Museum Purchase
Object numberF81.2.4
DescriptionThis totemic wooden sculpture from the Abelam culture of Papua New Guinea represents a Ngwallndu, a supernatural spirit-being associated with clan ancestors, and would have been found inside an Abelam Spirit House (Haus Tambaran). These figures, some ten to fifteen feet high, are ritually painted and repainted for ceremonies and displayed to young men being initiated into adulthood. The refurbishing is thought to ensure the ancestor's continuing cooperation in the affairs of the community.On View
On viewCollections
20th Century
19th Century
