Female figure

Reference : 2262

Female figure Carved wood
Height: 36 cm
Presumed period: late 19th or early 20th century
Stylistic area of Murik Lakes and the Sepik River coastal region
Province of Sepik Oriental
Papua New Guinea

Source :
– Serge Brignoni, Bern (1903-2002)
– Christie’s London, December 12, 1989
– Seymour & Alice Lazar Collection, Palm Springs (1927-2016)
– Private collection New-York

A complete study of this rare piece is available on request.

More details

This beautiful sculpture represents a female ancestor. She stands with her arms detached from her body and her hands resting on her hips. The top of the head supports a sort of pierced cap, allowing hair to be attached. The ears and septum are pierced for the attachment of ornaments that have now disappeared.
The curvilinear patterns on the upper chest, shoulders, shoulder blades and top of the head are reminiscent of the scarifications performed during initiation ceremonies for young girls at puberty, but also during mourning. These scarifications are known as taganap sigia1.
Kept in the ceremonial house as a being endowed with a soul, it could be presented to the men on the eve of battle or used during initiation stages. According to John Friede2 they were used in personal sanctuaries to seek protection from spirits when sailing the high seas, and to help with fishing. Their role is crucial to the clan’s well-being.

Price: €19,000

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