Yam cult figure "minja"
Papua New Guinea - Washkuk Hills - East Sepik Province, Kwoma
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Taille
H: 97 cm
H: 38.2 inch
Description
wood, black patina, carved with prominent face of an ancestor spirit “yena”, the raised vertical ridge representing a snake, dam., missing parts and cracks (above all at the lower left rim), insect caused damage backside, abrasion of paint;
“minja” embody male water spirits that are believed to promote the growth of yams. They are displayed in pairs, highly ornamented like the “yena”, against a biconical heap of newly-harvested yams, immediately following the “yena” ceremony. There is a day and night of singing and dancing accompanied by slit-gongs, bullroarers and bamboo trumpets.