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Lot 31 : Representation of a cultural hero
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Representation of a cultural hero
Sepik, Papua-Neuguinea
wood, blackish brown, strongly encrusted patina, laminar shoulder and breast area with incised half circular ornaments, the figure dominated by an oval flattened facial plane with strong nose and prominent eyes, accentuated by shell disc inlay, a nice detail: the neck designed in shape of a stylized crocodile head, slightly dam., paint rubbed off (forehead zone), encrusted patina in some areas, traces of soot, on metal plate;
it can be safely assumed, that such figures represent major beings, possibly a clan father, the male of the primordial couple, or a great warrior of the past who now functions as a powerful deity. Such cultural heroes were kept in the men's House, where they were tied to the central support-post of the building. Offerings of food and betel-nut were made to the figures before embarking on hunting or warfaring expeditions.
H: 165 cm, (5230/005)
Provenance:
Christie's, 1 December 1993, lot 170
Lit.: Meyer, Anthony J.P., Ozeanische Kunst, Vol. I, Köln 1995, p. 217, p. 256 f.
