IATMUL, Middle Sepik, Papua New Guinea.
IATMUL, Middle Sepik, Papua New Guinea. Blackened hardwood, clay, shells. Large hook-shaped figure representing an initiatory ancestor, “Kandimbong.” The scarifications on the chest and back, resembling crocodile scales, are those inflicted during the ritual initiation cycle into the men’s house among the Iatmuls of the Middle Sepik. The tubular gaze, accentuated by a white conus shell, conveys the power and clairvoyance of the figure depicted. H. 108 cm. (restorations and minor damage).
IATMUL, Middle Sepik, Papua New Guinea. Blackened hardwood, clay, shells. Large hook-shaped figure representing an initiatory ancestor, “Kandimbong.” The scarifications on the chest and back, resembling crocodile scales, are those inflicted during the ritual initiation cycle into the men’s house among the Iatmuls of the Middle Sepik. The tubular gaze, accentuated by a white conus shell, conveys the power and clairvoyance of the figure depicted. H. 108 cm. (restorations and minor damage).
