Ancestor figures from the Ramu River region of Papua New Guinea represent ancestral beings from the time of creation, when human and animal forms were believed to merge. Combining bird and human features, they reflect local ideas about ancestry, protection, and the spirit world.

These three examples have large owl-like eyes, bird-inspired face's, and the typical squatting pose with hands resting on the thighs, a stance that gives the figure's a strong sense of energy and presence.