Description

Standing wooden ancestor figure. Face takes the shape of a large oval mask with flattened cheeks, a sharp, raised ridge running from forehead to nose. Eyes are large inset shells, with three small animal claws are adhered to the forehead above. Nostrils are wide and lips protrude. Face is painted a light brown with dark brown and red-brown designs in small crescents and curving lines surrounding eyes and cheeks and tracing nose. Cowrie shells line chin and brow and cassowary feathers stand out from head and jaw to create hair and beard. Body stands with feet planted on a small rounded base, knees slightly bent, arms hanging at sides, stomach distended. Decorative bands are carved into lower legs and upper arms, and a plaque with carved face sits on chest. A woven loin cloth is tied around waist. Ties of plant fibre are at ankles, wrists, and ears.