Old Abelam Figure
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TitleOld Abelam Figure
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LocationPrince Alexander Mountains
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Datemid 20th century
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Price$3,200.00
The Abelam people live in the Prince Alexander Mountains north of the Sepik River. They practise a complex series of initiation rituals that extend from childhood over the course of the next two to three decades. During these rituals, the participants are allowed to view sacred objects that are concealed in the men’s ceremonial houses, like this figure. Sculptures like this would once have been brightly painted and represent powerful clan spirits. They also often incorporate birds such as the hornbill and cockatoo mounted on the head of the figure.
Height 118cm
The Abelam people live in the Prince Alexander Mountains north of the Sepik River. They practise a complex series of initiation rituals that extend from childhood over the course of the next two to three decades. During these rituals, the participants are allowed to view sacred objects that are concealed in the men’s ceremonial houses, like this figure. Sculptures like this would once have been brightly painted and represent powerful clan spirits. They also often incorporate birds such as the hornbill and cockatoo mounted on the head of the figure.
Height 118cm
