Small standing ancestor figure

Papua New Guinea - Sepik · 3032674

Description

wood, reddish brown patina, wearing a loincloth made from plant fibres, curved ornaments backside, old collection label “L.2/128 Ahnen Figürchen A. Kr.” and inscription at the back “L.2/128 Neu Guinea A.K.”, min. dam., slight traces of abrasion;
just like the skulls such ancestor figures encorporate the deceased, his shadowy soul. The head as abode of the vital force is disproportionately emphasized.