Male Figure Item Number: 2716/15 from the MOA: University of British Columbia

Description

Woven male figure with a bird on top of his head. The bird has a looped string on its back and is painted red and black. The man has a flat face with cowrie shell eyes, protruding nose and painted details in red and black. From the back of the head hang knotted pieces of string as hair. The body is round with one arm raised, stout legs and long toes.

Specific Techniques

The artist uses the fibre of the gumba tree. It is cut, soaked in water for a week and then spun into a twine called 'manji'. Formerly the weavings were supported by a rattan frame, but Angelina has developed the use of gourds as the base for her weavings. It's the shape of the gourd that dictates the animal that will emerge from her hand.

Item History

What

Name
Male Figure
Identification Number
2716/15
Type of Item
figure
Material
gumba bark, cowrie shell, paint and gourd fruit
Overall
height 51.0 cm, width 24.0 cm, depth 21.0 cm

Who

Culture
Iatmul
Creator
Angelina Gumowe (Maker)
Field Collector
Carol E. Mayer
Previous Owner
Carol E. Mayer
Received from
Carol E. Mayer (Seller) and Museum of Anthropology Acquisitions Budget (Funding source)

Where

Holding Institution
MOA: University of British Columbia
Made in
Kaminibit, East Sepik, Papua New Guinea
Collected in
East Sepik, Papua New Guinea

When

Creation Date
during 2006
Collection Date
between April 2006 and May 2006
Ownership Date
before October 16, 2008
Acquisition Date
on October 16, 2008

Other

Item Classes
basketry
Condition
good
Current Location
Case 52
Accession Number
2716/0015