Yam Ancestor Figure Totem Pole Papua New Guinea with Provenance
-
Description
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 around 1940-50s.
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 and the photo with the piece is shown in detail photos and will be included with the purchase. No stand. -
More Information
Origin: Papua New Guinea Period: 1920-1949 Materials: wood and paint Condition: Fair. 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. Creation Date: 20th century Styles / Movements: Other , Folk Art Incollect Reference #: 370221 -
Dimensions
H. 37 in; Diam. 6 in; H. 93.98 cm; Diam. 15.24 cm;
Message from Seller:
Our collection ranges from Neolithic Art to 20th century collectible art and design. It spans 5000 thousand years of history and crosses many civilizations and cultures. Our aesthetic strongholds are Mid-century studio design, Japanese and Korean art, Asian Textile Art and Contemporary Aboriginal Art. The diversity is united behind our singular vision to seek for timeless beauty and driven purely by our passion