New Ireland Kulap Chalk Ancestor Figure
New Ireland Kulap Chalk Ancestor Figure
New Ireland Kulap Chalk Ancestor Figure
New Ireland Kulap Chalk Ancestor Figure
New Ireland Kulap Chalk Ancestor Figure
New Ireland Kulap Chalk Ancestor Figure
New Ireland Kulap Chalk Ancestor Figure
New Ireland Kulap Chalk Ancestor Figure
New Ireland Kulap Chalk Ancestor Figure
New Ireland Kulap Chalk Ancestor Figure
New Ireland Kulap Chalk Ancestor Figure
New Ireland Kulap Chalk Ancestor Figure
New Ireland Kulap Chalk Ancestor Figure
New Ireland Kulap Chalk Ancestor Figure
New Ireland Kulap Chalk Ancestor Figure
New Ireland Kulap Chalk Ancestor Figure
New Ireland Kulap Chalk Ancestor Figure
New Ireland Kulap Chalk Ancestor Figure
New Ireland Kulap Chalk Ancestor Figure
New Ireland Kulap Chalk Ancestor Figure
New Ireland Kulap Chalk Ancestor Figure
New Ireland Kulap Chalk Ancestor Figure New Ireland Kulap Chalk Ancestor Figure New Ireland Kulap Chalk Ancestor Figure New Ireland Kulap Chalk Ancestor Figure New Ireland Kulap Chalk Ancestor Figure New Ireland Kulap Chalk Ancestor Figure New Ireland Kulap Chalk Ancestor Figure New Ireland Kulap Chalk Ancestor Figure New Ireland Kulap Chalk Ancestor Figure New Ireland Kulap Chalk Ancestor Figure

New Ireland Kulap Chalk Ancestor Figure

13678

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Circa 19th Century AD.

Carved limestone figure on bent legs with large dangling phallus, a cylindrical torso with the arms worked close to the body, the hands clasp on the belly with interlaced fingers, a short neck carrying a rather large head; the facial features outer worldly with wide grin, large eyes and deep brow crease.  
Size 13.5 inches (34.3cm) H + custom base.

Provenance: NYC artist Harry Bertschmann.

This kulap, which was carved to house spirits of the recently dead, was made to be smashed after a few months’ mourning, but which has been preserved. New Ireland, a large island in Papua New Guinea, is shaped like a musket. Kulap sculptures come from the island’s southeast, the handle of the gun. When a member of his family died, a man from one of the southeast’s coastal villages trekked inland, toward the island’s mountains, where seams of limestone emerge like bones from gangrenous jungle. He found a carver, and together they chose a seam. The sculpture was carried home, and placed in a house of the dead, a squat thatched hut, where it conversed with other kulaps. Men were allowed into the hut, to dance for the amusement of the dead. Women had to mourn outside. After a few months, and a few dances, the kulap was supposed to be destroyed.

All pieces are unconditionally guaranteed authentic and as described in perpetuity and have been legally acquired and imported in full accordance with U.S. and applicable foreign regulations regarding the movement and sale of antiquities.

A signed guarantee of authenticity with a description and photograph of the item(s) accompanies this object.

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