Ancestor Figure, Southern New Ireland

Robert Lang, Rye (inv. no. 19878)
Kevin Conru, Brussels
Anthony Meyer, Paris
American Private Collection, acquired from the above in 2001

Kevin Conru, The Colour of Melanesia, London & Brussels, 1999, p. 60, fig. 32

Good condition overall. Nicks, scratches, chips and abrasions throughout consistent with age and use. Broken and glued to the torso, both arms and at the angles. Minor restoration to both ears. A filled crack to the back of the neck. Good patina with traces of reddish orange pigments and residue of an old label to the back of the head. Has a stand.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

This ancestor figure is of the type known as kulap, distinctive to southern New Ireland. It is thought they were made by specialist carvers who lived near the chalk limestone quarries of the Rossel Mountains. Kulap were made to represent the recently deceased. When someone died a male relative would travel to the mountains to acquire a kulap, which could be male or female, depending on the sex of the deceased. Upon his return to the village the figure was placed in a shrine in a ceremonial building alongside other kulap; the form of the shrine is illustrated in Finsch, Ethnologische Erfahrungen und Belegstücke aus der Südsee, Vienna, 1893, p. 144 [62].

The kulap served as a temporary dwelling for the spirits of the deceased with might otherwise wander causing harm to the living. Only men were permitted to view the kulap, which after a period of time were destroyed; almost all old kulap such as the present example were collected during the colonial period between 1870-1890.