Lot 128E
**Originally Listed At $800**
Oceania, Papua New Guinea, ca. 20th century CE. An impressive wood sculpture, expertly hand-carved to present a male and female figure positioned back-to-back atop a domed base. Both presenting slender, slightly bent legs, the figures stand upright with lengthy arms falling parallel to their bodies so hands can rest to either side of their groins. Their elongated bodies each feature a projecting stomach, sloped shoulders, thick, a tubular neck, and carefully delineated fingers and toes. Their sexes are indicated by the male's prominent phallus and the female's pendulous breasts. Black-painted coiffures cap both of their sizeable heads, which also exhibit similar visages with inlaid shell eyes beneath hefty brows, downward-pointed noses, and incised mouths held in gentle smiles, each flanked by a pair of ears. Size: 9.6" L x 6.5" W x 29.5" H (24.4 cm x 16.5 cm x 74.9 cm)
Though both wear a woven rattan bracelet on each wrist, the female is dressed in a bushy grass skirt, as well as a woven rattan necklace, and the male dons a petite loincloth with liberal remains of grass. Stripes of black face paint additionally adorn the male's visage. These figures likely represent ancestors. Figures like this were carved in the likeness of a deceased family member and were often spiritually consulted during times of crises or for advice before making an important decision.
Provenance: Whisnant Gallery, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA, acquired prior to 2000
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#170221
- Condition: Stable fissures to base, especially on underside, and a few more to bodies and heads of both figures. Expected nicks, scratches, and abrasions throughout. Some very minor losses to female's skirt and liberal remains of grass on male's loincloth. Otherwise, intact and excellent with nice remaining pigments and detail, as well as a lovely patina.
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| From: | To: | Increments: |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $299 | $25 |
| $300 | $999 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $1,999 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $4,999 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $9,999 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $19,999 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $49,999 | $2,500 |
| $50,000 | $99,999 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 + | $20,000 |