- 1
Statue, Sepik, Papouasie-Nouvelle-Guinée
Description
- wood
- haut. 13,5 cm ; 5 1/3 in
- 5 1/8 in
Provenance
Berend Hoekstra Collection, Brussels
Literature
Eerhart, "De Kunstenaar en zijn etnografica - in gesprek met Berend Hoekstra", Object en Betekenis, VVE Jaarboek, Nummer 4, 2016, p. 9
Catalogue Note
Représentation d'un esprit mythologique - combinant des caractères anthropomorphes et zoomorphes - cette statuette agissait comme charme protecteur. Propriété individuelle, elle portait chance à son propriétaire à la chasse comme à la guerre, mais aussi dans ses relations amoureuses.
A remarkable miniature, this figure beautifully embodies the forcefulness of Sepik sculpture: the hooked nose - a sign of masculine strength - the high coiffure incised with clan motifs, and the angular lines that give the figure its striking presence.
As a representation of a mythological spirit - combining anthropomorphic and zoomorphic characters - this figure acted as a protective charm. It was an individual possession intended to bring luck to its owner, in hunting as well as in war, but also in his relationships.
Sepik figure, Papua New Guinea