Institute for Biodiversity Science and Sustainability

CAS Anthropology Collections Database


Catalog Number CAS 2005-0006-0038   CAS 2005-0006-0038; Carving (man)
Category Carvings
Object Name Carving (man)
Culture Melanesian: Abelam People
Global Region Oceania
Country Papua New Guinea
State/Prov./Dist.
County
Other Geographic Data Maprik Village (Headwaters of Screw River area)
Maker's Name Unknown
Date of Manufacture 1965
Collection Name N/A
Materials Wood; Natural pigments
Description 2-dimensional carving of a male ancestor figure, shown in standing position with his knees together and his bent arms at his sides and wearing a large mask; Figure is nude but his body and mask are brightly painted in colors of black, white, mustard yellow, and rust brown; Two hornbills are perched above the figure, typical of carvings from this region, where these birds are clan and ancestral symbols; Reverse side of carving is crudely hollowed out but not painted.
Dimensions (cm) Height = 131.5, Width = 23.0, Depth = 13.1