Ancestor Figure (Nggwal)
ClassificationsSculpture
Culture
Abelam
Date20th Century
Made AtEast Sepik Province, Papua New Guinea
MediumWood
Dimensions183 in. (464.8 cm)
Credit LineIn Memory of George Clayton Kennedy
Object number81.101.2
DescriptionThis wooden architectural feature is carved with several figures that represent spirit beings (nggwal) associated with Abelam clan ancestors. In addition to human-like figures, Abelam carvers often incorporate hornbill birds and other animals as clan totems. The carving would have been lashed to the interior of the central ceremonial house during important male initiation or harvest rituals along with many other painted panels and carvings.On View
On view
19th Century
mid 20th Century
late 19th to early 20th Century
late 19th to early 20th Century
mid 20th Century