SPIRIT BAT FIGURE
Angoram, Papua New Guinea

Spirit bat figures from the Angoram area of the Lower Sepik River are hand-carved wooden sculptures that reference local totemic species, especially the blakbokis (fruit bat or flying fox). Made by Angoram and Kopar artists, they can appear as openwork forms or more solid figures, often finished with earth pigments.

Rather than just decorative carvings, these works are tied to local belief systems, where animals like bats are understood in relation to clan identity, spirit worlds, or ancestral connections. The Angoram region developed a recognizable style—often using darker woods and finely detailed carving—that became more prominent during the 20th century, reflecting both local traditions and changing artistic production.

Size: 33 cm (height) 9.7 cm (width) 8 cm (depth)

Weight: 352 grams