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Yam Ancestor Figure TOTEM Pole Papua New Guinea with Provenance

About the Item

A yam ancestor TOTEM pole from the mid-Sepik River region of Papua New Guinea. Carved out of a solid wood by the Abelam people, who cultivated yams as their main crop, the pole features the classical form of the Yam ancestor in his frontal pose. It was painted with bright polychrome colors. The wear and patina suggest that it was field collected from the native use. It is likely dated circa 1940s-1950s. This figure was exhibited in Traditional Artifacts from the South Pacific, University Gallery, University of Massachusetts at Amherst, Nov-Dec 1991. A picture of it was included in the catalog brochure. A copy of the brochure with the photo of the piece installed in the exhibition will be included with the purchase. No stand.

Dimensions:

Height: 37 in (93.98 cm)Diameter: 6 in (15.24 cm)

Style:

Tribal (Of the Period)

Materials and Techniques:

Wood

Place of Origin:

Papua New Guinea

Period:

Early 20th Century

Date of Manufacture:

20th Century

Condition:

Wear consistent with age and use. Minor losses. Tribal art likely collected from the field and used natively. Losses of the colors, some wood crackles and losses, noticeably on the top back, holes etc, as shown in the photos.

Seller Location:

Atlanta, GA

Reference Number:

1stDibs: LU945019138542

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