Description:

Oceania, Papua New Guinea, possibly Yuat River region, ca. early to mid 20th century CE. Three sculptures depicting abstract nude human figures, their ectomorphic bodies - comprised of woven natural fibers as well as fiber wrapped reeds - also present fingers, toes, as well as phalluses on two of the three. Their heads are characteristically oversized with bold features: two with applied large eyes, a ridge running vertically between them made from plaited fibers and tracing their beak-like noses, and wooden projections protruding symmetrically from the sides of the faces; the third with openwork eyes surrounded by rings of woven reeds, a projecting nose adorned by an applied nose ring, red tassels attached to the ears, and a tuft of grassy 'hair' atop the head. Interestingly, this figure has a basket-weave voluminous body; however, the other two figures' bodies are made from wrapped reeds. Natural pigments of red and cream hues adorn the figures as well. Size: 64" H (162.6 cm), 63" H (160 cm), and 55.5" H (141 cm)

Provenance: private Tucson, Arizona, USA collection, acquired between 1950 and 1985

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#150664

  • Condition: The figure with the basket-weave torso shows losses to toes. All three show areas of loosened and missing fibers, some fading to pigmentation, and general wear from age and use.

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November 14, 2019 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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