Male figure
Dateca. 1890
Maker
New Guinea
Maker
Sepik River
Label TextOriginally kept in a men’s ceremonial house, this figure was seen only in dim light, amidst other characters who resided there. Some were ancestors, others could be water and wood spirits, and all were intended to intrigue young men as they were being introduced to spiritual knowledge during initiation. Ceremonies throughout their life would enable them to consult the figures to assist with hunting and fishing expeditions, crop fertility, illness, and well being. Human features are merged with the beak of a sea bird, relying on the mixture of species for a more complex identity.
Object number95.143
Credit LineGift of Dr. Oliver E. and Pamela F. Cobb
Dimensions13 in. (33.02 cm)
MediumWood
log in
