Institute for Biodiversity Science and Sustainability

CAS Anthropology Collections Database


Catalog Number CAS 2005-0006-0020   CAS 2005-0006-0020; Figurine ("totem" carving)
Category Carvings
Object Name Figurine ("totem" carving)
Culture Melanesian: Northern Massim
Global Region Oceania
Country Papua New Guinea
State/Prov./Dist. Milne Bay Province: Massim District
County
Other Geographic Data Trobriand Islands
Maker's Name Unknown
Date of Manufacture
Collection Name N/A
Materials Wood: ebony
Description Single-piece carving in the form of several stacked figures, beginning with a canoe prow on the bottom, sporting a bird's head at its tip; Above the prow is a human figure, leaning over slightly and holding in his hands a skull or head that is resting on a low platform; A whirling star is atop the human, and finally at the top of the carving is a seated feline-like animal, with its front paws raised up; Each of the four figures (canoe, human, star, and feline) rests on a base that is decorated with a rectilinear meandering line.
Dimensions (cm) Height = 29.3, Width = 3.3, Depth = 4.9