ANCESTOR FIGURE Ramu River, Papua New Guinea
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 beliefs about ancestry, protection, and the spirit world.
Many feature multiple stacked faces, adding to their powerful, otherworldly appearance. Carved from hardwood and decorated with natural ochre, white lime, and plant fibres, these figures acted as important links between communities and their ancestral spirits.
Size: 70 cm (height) 15.5 cm (width) 11 cm (depth)
Weight: 1.4 kg