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Yam figure
East Sepik Province
19th century
Wood, red ochre and deep brown patina
H. 71 cm
TC 87

Slender, openwork figures are made in several East Sepik province communities, especially in the Maprik Hills area. The Abelam have an especially rich tradition of figurative sculpture, some represent spirits associated with bodies of water while others are important in rituals performed in conjunction with yam harvests. Carvings are kept in towering cult houses in displays seen only by initiated men.

Provenance:
Sotheby's New York, May 15, 2003
Wayne Heathcote
Bruce Seaman, Tahiti