Female figure

Reference : 5235

Female figure

Carved wood, pigment
Height: 42cm
Presumed period: Late ^19th or early ^20th century
Ramu River, Madang Province
Papua New Guinea

Source :
– Todd Barlin, Paddington, Australia
– Jolika de Marcia & John Friede Collection, Rye, New York
– Acquired from previous owner in November 2005

More details

This representation of a female ancestor was carved with a lithic tool. It has a very fine patina indicating its great age.

The position is a classic one, standing with arms detached from the body and hands resting on the thighs. The face, with its long, triangular chin, supports a headdress. The smiling mouth and eyes are simply represented.
A belt separates the navel from a soberly drawn “Y” sex.

This sculpture is characterized by sobriety of detail, while masterfully concentrating all the power of the statuary of this region.

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