Figural post: Human and human-bird hybrid ·  Papua New Guinea, Sawos · ID: 3053513

Description

wood, pigments, plant fibres, base

These carved figures were attached to sacred bamboo flutes and served not merely as decoration, but were regarded as powerful spiritual beings through which ancestors and spirits communicated. They were among the most important sacred objects of the Biwat and played a central role in initiation rites as well as in the religious and social life of the community.

As the sacred property of a clan, such figures were venerated, ritually honoured and offered food sacrifices. Their symbolic significance was exceptionally high and reflected the status, spiritual power and cultural prestige of their owners. According to local tradition, the depicted figure could be associated with a mythical being who, after offending a powerful spirit, was transformed into a fish-eating bird. Works of this type are among the most iconic creations of Sepik art and impressively embody the close connection between ancestor worship, mythology and ceremonial tradition.

Comparing literature

Friede, John & Marcia, New Guinea Art, Masterpieces from the Jolika Collection, Vol. 1, San Francisco 2005, ill. 236