Figure of an ancestor spirit
Papua New Guinea - Sepik
not available anymore
Size
H: 35 cm
H: 13.8 inch
Description
heavy light wood, carrying the torso of a smaller female figure on the head, the long body of a crocodile rising behind him, legs cut, surface structure strongly marked by weathering (cracks), block-like base;
conceived as handle of a great slit drum “garamut”. These drums were determined for sacred music. Only chosen men were allowed to beat them during ritual celebrations.