- 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 portaꦕit cha♍nce à son propriétaire à la chasse comme à la guerre, mais aussi dans ses relations amoureuses.
A remarkable miniature, this f🃏igure beautifully embodies the forcefulness of Sepik sculpture: the hooked nose - a sign of masculine strength - the high coiffure inc൲ised with clan motifs, and the angular lines that give the figure its striking presence.
As a representation of a mythological spirit - combining anthropomorphic an♕d 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 w✤ar, but also in his relationships.
Sepik figure, Papua New Guinea