Finial Item Number: Ie391 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
A wooden block with four figures carved on it. A bird with a curved beak, long neck, and outstretched wings rests claws on a standing man's head. Below man's feet is a turtle and on the reverse is a crocodile that stretches to below the bird's tail. Two pairs of holes drilled in back, in bird, and below crocodile.
History Of Use
Decoration on the Haus Tamberan roof beams.
Cultural Context
Haus Tamberan
Iconographic Meaning
Bird is probably the so-called 'fish-eagle'. The person may represent the tribal founder. The whole ensemble may symbolize the war-like spirit of village men.
Item History
- Made in Papua New Guinea ?
- Owned by William H. Birmingham before March 21, 1980
- Received from William H. Birmingham (Seller) and Museum of Anthropology Donations Fund (Funding source) on March 21, 1980
What
Who
- Culture
- New Guinea
- Previous Owner
- William H. Birmingham
- Received from
- William H. Birmingham (Seller) and Museum of Anthropology Donations Fund (Funding source)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Papua New Guinea ?
When
- Ownership Date
- before March 21, 1980
- Acquisition Date
- on March 21, 1980
Other
- Condition
- fair
- Accession Number
- 0620/0008