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Sepik River (Keram Region), Papua New Guinea Ancestral Bust, mid 20th century

$1,135.72
£827.73
€950
CA$1,557.13
A$1,738.71
CHF 906.96
MX$21,380.01
NOK 11,446.94
SEK 10,776.89
DKK 7,228.74
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About the Item

Sepik River (Keram River tributary), Papua New Guinea Ancestral Bust (Male Ancestor Figure) Wood, with age cracks and dark matte patina Height: 24 cm, base diameter 10.5 cm Period: Mid-20th century (c. 1940–1960) Carved wooden bust representing a revered male ancestor, from the Middle or Lower Sepik River region — likely the Keram River area — of Papua New Guinea. Such busts were traditionally kept within the men’s ceremonial house (Haus Tambaran) and served to embody the spirit of an important ancestor. The bust was used during rituals associated with protection, fertility, initiation, and clan identity. The closed eye form, simplified facial features, and clearly adze-marked surface are typical of Keram region works from this period. The piece exhibits natural age wear, drying cracks, handling patina, and no signs of modern tooling. It compares closely to examples in major museum collections: Metropolitan Museum of Art, NY (accession no. 1979.206.158) Museum der Kulturen, Basel Musée du Quai Branly, Paris Condition: Very good; surface wear consistent with ritual use; no over-cleaning or modern restoration. A fine and authentic example of Sepik River ancestral sculpture, suitable for collectors of tribal and ethnographic art.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 9.45 in (24 cm)Width: 4.06 in (10.3 cm)Depth: 4.53 in (11.5 cm)
  • Style:
    Tribal (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Wood,Hand-Carved
  • Place of Origin:
    Papua New Guinea
  • Period:
    Mid-20th Century
  • Date of Manufacture:
    mid 20th century
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use. normal age traces.
  • Seller Location:
    Bilzen, BE
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU10361245584042

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