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Male Yipwon Figural Carved Wood Sculpture on Stone Base

About the Item

This striking Yipwon sculpture is a powerful testament to the artistic and spiritual traditions of the Alamblak people from Papua New Guinea. The figure's strong, masculine head balances atop a tall body formed around a broad spine, with large, curving hooks creating a pronounced chest. These hooks, deeply rooted in cultural symbolism, represent the force and vitality of life. Crafted in one of the fifteen villages near the upper Korewori River of the Sepik River region, this sculpture reflects the enduring heritage that has shaped the Alamblak’s artistic expressions. Although carved with modern steel tools, the figure remains true to the ancestral techniques and beliefs cultivated over generations. Historically, Yipwon figures were kept in sacred men's houses and used to contact the spirits of ancestors for help with hunting, warfare, and resolving problems such as food shortages or disease. The rituals to entice an ancestral spirit included smearing the figure with animal feces, pieces of human meat, and blood taken from a man's penis—an intense and sacred practice highlighting the deep spiritual connection the Yipwon represented. Mounted on a sturdy stone base, this sculpture not only underscores the remarkable skills of its creator but also serves as a profound cultural artifact, offering a window into the spiritual life and traditions of the Alamblak people. This magnificent piece stands as a bridge between the ancient and the contemporary, preserving the profound legacy of its origins. In Excellent Vintage Condition. Papau New Guinea, 20th Century Dimensions: Height: 70" x Width: 14" x Depth: 7.75" Depth of Body: 1.5"
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 70 in (177.8 cm)Width: 14 in (35.56 cm)Depth: 7.75 in (19.69 cm)
  • Style:
    Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Stone,Wood
  • Place of Origin:
    Papua New Guinea
  • Period:
    20th Century
  • Date of Manufacture:
    20th Century
  • Condition:
  • Seller Location:
    New York, NY
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU793445030602

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