Seated royal woman
20th century
A rhythm of curves accents the solid columnar core of this woman. Her features are geometric, and pegs seem to emulate the “marks of civilization” or raised scars that would appear on a respected woman. Some Lagoon figures are the self-portraits of diviners, and others are portraits of spouses who exist in the spirit world. Such spirit spouses wait for the attention of a husband who may offer them gifts and spend time tending to their demands.
Wood, natural pigments, beads
Gift of Dr. Oliver E. and Pamela F. Cobb
2012.29.20
Provenance: Bernard Dulon, Paris, France; sold to Guillaume Corneille (1922-2010), Paris, France, 1999; [Galerie Dutko, Paris, France, 2000]; purchased from gallery by Dr. Oliver E. and Pamela F. Cobb, Seattle, Washington, 2000
Photo: Elizabeth Mann
