Vintage Standing Figure, Abelam People of the Sepik River-Tribes of Papau New Guinea

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Vintage Maprick/Abelam standing figure crowned with a Hornbill bird from the Middle Sepik region of Papua New Guinea. This hand-carved … Read more Vintage Maprick/Abelam standing figure crowned with a Hornbill bird from the Middle Sepik region of Papua New Guinea. This hand-carved and hand-painted wooden sculpture stands 66" tall and measures 6" wide by 7" deep. Crafted from solid wood and embellished with natural earth pigments, the figure displays traditional geometric patterns in ochre tones characteristic of indigenous Sepik art. The carved form represents ancestral spirits and ceremonial significance, reflecting the artistic traditions of Papua New Guinea's Middle Sepik cultures. Historically used in ceremonial contexts—including funeral rites and as adornments for ceremonial houses—these figures embody deep cultural meaning. The Hornbill surmounting the figure is a sacred motif in Sepik art, symbolizing spiritual power and connection to the ancestral realm. A substantial and authentic example of mid-20th century Oceanic carving, this piece represents the enduring artistic heritage of Papua New Guinea's indigenous peoples. An exceptional addition to ethnographic collections and those appreciating authentic tribal art. See less