A large Teket ceremonial orator's stool

Iatmul people, Sepik river region, Papua New Guinea, circa 1960s
41.25" H x 12.5" W x 8.5" D

Notes: Such large figures are used by the men of a village council during debates, however not for seating. They are known to us as "Orator's Stools" because when a member of the council wants to speak, he places a stick or leaf on the seat of the carving, which allows him to orate and also can be used to punctuate his speech. The mask-like head represents the spirit of a clan or village ancestor.

This example may or may not have been made as a decorative item for sale. In the 1960s and 1970s there was a lot of trade with tourists of such pieces, and it was thought the larger the piece the more value it had. Carvers made them for both ceremonial and trade purposes. They are painted with natural earth pigments, frequently have inset shell eyes, and are trimmed with cassowary bird feathers as here.
Condition Report: Overall good condition with oxidation, scuffs, shrinkage cracks, and nicks, and rubbed wear commensurate with age. Scattered minor losses to the carving.