Abelam carved wood ancestor figure, Papua New Guinea, front view
Abelam ancestor figure, Papua New Guinea, view 2
Abelam ancestor figure, Papua New Guinea, view 3
Abelam ancestor figure, Papua New Guinea, view 4
Abelam ancestor figure, Papua New Guinea, view 5
Abelam ancestor figure, Papua New Guinea, view 6
Abelam ancestor figure, Papua New Guinea, view 7
Abelam ancestor figure, Papua New Guinea, view 8
Abelam ancestor figure, Papua New Guinea, view 9

Papua New Guinea Abelam Large Wood Ancestor Figure

17670

Regular price$18,500
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Shipping calculated at checkout.

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East Sepik Province, Mapik Papua New Guinea,

A finely carved and ochre painted ancestor figure from the Abelam people, East Sepik Province, Papua New Guinea.  The Abelam are a people that live in the Sepik river region of Papua New Guinea and there are about 40,000 Abelam language speakers that live on the plains and foothills on the north side of the middle Sepik River.

The Abelam have a complex ceremonial life organized around yam cultivation and spirits. The most important of these spirits is Ngwallndu, an ancestor like being whose power determines the success of all human endeavours. This figure of Ngwallndu was used in the initiation of young men. The Korumbo or Spirit House is where most of the Abelam ceremonies are conducted including the initiation of young men into various aspects of the cult & the Abelam cosmology.

Size: 75 inches (190.5cm) H. + custom base.

Provenance:  Collection of Jerry Zimler (1954-1989) a clinical psychologist, New York, NY, whose  practice was working mainly with disturbed children.

Every object is guaranteed authentic and as described, and has been legally acquired and imported in accordance with U.S. and applicable foreign regulations on the movement and sale of antiquities. A signed certificate of authenticity with a description and photograph accompanies this object. Any restoration is described on the invoice.

Free shipping within the United States on most pieces; oversized works are quoted at checkout. Insurance is available on request. We pack and ship ourselves, usually within two business days. International shipping by USPS or DHL is calculated at checkout; if your country is not listed, write to us. Customs forms state the full value; international buyers are responsible for duties and taxes.

Any object may be returned within 14 days of receipt for a refund or credit. Contact us first. See Buying from Us.

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