FEMALE ANCESTOR FIGURE 

Massim, Papua New Guinea

Vintage wooden, hand carved female ancestor figures from the massim culture are highly sought after pieces known for their naturalistic and stylized craftmanship. Often incised with detailed carvings and sometimes filled with white lime or pigment. Figures are generally used in houses, and being the image of an ancestor, are believed to protect the house and people inside from evil spirits or spells.

Size: 29.5 cm (height) 4.3 cm (width) 

Weight: 198 grams