Institute for Biodiversity Science and Sustainability

CAS Anthropology Collections Database


Catalog Number CAS 0432-0001   CAS 0432-0001; Ancestral figure (man)
Category Carvings
Object Name Ancestral figure (man)
Culture Melanesian
Global Region Oceania
Country Papua New Guinea
State/Prov./Dist.
County
Other Geographic Data Village: Kamanibit; Sepik River
Maker's Name Unknown
Date of Manufacture ca. 1940
Collection Name N/A
Materials Wood; Cassowary feathers; Boar tusks; Pigments; Cordage
Description 3-dimensional carved human ancestral figure elongated head, bulging eyes, pronounced median ridge extending from top and terminating in long nose with boar tusks protruding from nostrils; Tongue protruding from mouth terminates in a small human head; Arms are draped at sides, with right hand grasping exaggerated phallus; Decorated with cassowary and other feathers and painted in black, white, and red; Wears cordage bracelets and belt.
Dimensions (cm) Height = 166.0, Max Diam = 36.1