Located in San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon
Abstract and anthropomorphic large figure from the Pie River, located to the east of the Era River. Abstract, anthropomorphic form stands on separate legs with dynamic varying outline, wide hips, and torso leading straight to a rounded head.
Figure represents Irivake, the ancestor hero who is considered as the founder of headhunting, also believed to have climbed to the sky and to command lightning. It is enlivened with various curvilinear details highlighted with red and white pigments. The back appears with a collection number in red, and the following: Ipigau (village), Upper Pie River, Papua, P63.20.
This is a 'later example', not a first generation piece with several age cracks. It has likely seen field use, but not extensive field use.
Provenance: Private New Jersey Collection, ex. Michael Rockefeller...
Category
Mid-20th Century Primitive Pacific Islands Furniture