Ancestor Figure Item Number: Ie378 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Tall human male figure with a rounded head, inflated stomach, prominent groin area, short arms and short legs. The head has an extra circle around it with small ear-like projections out each side, incised eyes and mouth. The figure is surrounded by birds. Extending over its head are two Byth’s hornbill heads which go up then the beaks point down. There are two other protruding bird heads appearing over the shoulder of the human. Between the legs of the human figure is another bird with its tail hanging down and its head facing upwards with its bird slightly ajar. All are painted in various stylized patterns in orange, yellow and white on a black ground. There is a necklace painted in white on the chest of the human figure.
History Of Use
Ancestor figures are sacred, serving as fertility figures for the people and for the yam crop. They are kept in men's ceremonial house.
Iconographic Meaning
Curved-bill birds, hornbills in this case, are 'totemic symbols' of clans and tribes.
Cultural Context
ceremonial
Item History
- Made in East Sepik, Papua New Guinea
- Owned by Alan F. Pierce before March 21, 1980
- Received from Alan F. Pierce (Seller) and Museum of Anthropology Donations Fund (Funding source) on March 21, 1980
What
Who
- Culture
- Abelam
- Previous Owner
- Alan F. Pierce
- Received from
- Alan F. Pierce (Seller) and Museum of Anthropology Donations Fund (Funding source)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- East Sepik, Papua New Guinea
When
- Ownership Date
- before March 21, 1980
- Acquisition Date
- on March 21, 1980
Other
- Condition
- good
- Current Location
- Case 69
- Accession Number
- 0619/0023