Killer Whale Item Number: 2725/1 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Large painted carving of a killer whale lying flat on a base. The decorative elements, such as ivory coloured scales and tattoos covering the body of the whale, red mouth, ivory coloured shells are the sides of the base, and red and yellow waves on the runners of the base, are painted over a dark brown background. Shell eyes are embedded at the top of the broad flattened head with rounded nose.
Narrative
The artist, Teddy Balangu, travelled to the Museum of Anthropology in 2006 to be an artist in residence. Based on his experiences in British Columbia, he carved this interpretation of a killer whale; both a work of art and a fascinating hybrid, part whale and part river fish.
Item History
- Made by Teddy Balangu (Maker) in Palembei, East Sepik, Papua New Guinea during 2008
- Collected by Carol E. Mayer in Palembei, East Sepik, Papua New Guinea during April 2008
- Owned by Teddy Balangu before December 11, 2008
- Received from Teddy Balangu (Seller) and Museum of Anthropology Acquisitions Budget (Funding source) on December 11, 2008
What
- Name
- Killer Whale
- Identification Number
- 2725/1
- Type of Item
- figure
- Material
- garamut wood, paint and shell
- Overall
- height 27.0 cm, width 29.0 cm, depth 127.5 cm
Who
- Culture
- Iatmul: Simal
- Creator
- Teddy Balangu (Maker)
- Field Collector
- Carol E. Mayer
- Previous Owner
- Teddy Balangu
- Received from
- Teddy Balangu (Seller) and Museum of Anthropology Acquisitions Budget (Funding source)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Palembei, East Sepik, Papua New Guinea
- Collected in
- Palembei, East Sepik, Papua New Guinea
When
- Creation Date
- during 2008
- Collection Date
- during April 2008
- Ownership Date
- before December 11, 2008
- Acquisition Date
- on December 11, 2008
Other
- Item Classes
- carvings & sculpture
- Condition
- good
- Current Location
- Case 58
- Accession Number
- 2725/0001