Papua New Guinea Carved Wood Yipwon Figure

Description

A carved wood Yipwon figure with co-centric hooks surrounding a head and painted in alternative ocher and white earth pigment, … more A carved wood Yipwon figure with co-centric hooks surrounding a head and painted in alternative ocher and white earth pigment, it was made by the Yimam people from the Korewori River region in Papua New Guinea. Often kept within the men’s ceremonial house for large ones, taken with hunting or raid for medium ones, and used as personal amulet for small ones, these figures represent Yipwon ancestral spirit who plays a central role in hunting and warfare. Although clearly anthropomorphic, it is highly stylized, almost geometrical. In this figure, the head is placed in the center with cowrie shell inlaid eyes. It was carved from a rather dense wood. The surface is very worn with the pigments pelt off. There is a repair on the lowest hook as shown. We estimate the piece to be circa 1950s. The custom metal stand is included. less