Institute for Biodiversity Science and Sustainability

CAS Anthropology Collections Database


Catalog Number CAS 2014-0001-0001   CAS 2014-0001-0001; Carving (bird-human figure)
Category Carvings
Object Name Carving (bird-human figure)
Culture Melanesian
Global Region Oceania
Country Papua New Guinea
State/Prov./Dist.
County
Other Geographic Data
Maker's Name Unknown
Date of Manufacture ca. 1980s
Collection Name N/A
Materials Wood; Earth pigments; Shells
Description Large 3-dimensional carving of a half man / half bird figure, carved from single piece of wood in standing position; Figure is very thin when viewed from front, but of more substantial proportions in profile; Figure has body and legs of a bird and stands atop a short, mounded base; The body is plain but is carved to suggest wings and is painted black, with the long tail painted white; Legs are also painted black but further decorated painted with white and brick red bands; A very large human head sits atop a short gray neck and sports a very long beard; Face is predominantly painted white, while ears and forehead are black; “Hair” is painted brick red, topped by a white and black headdress; Long, tapered beard is painted with alternating brick red and black bands; Both eyes are inset with two types of shells.
Dimensions (cm) Height = ca. 167.5, Width = 11.5, Depth = 25.9