Watam Lagoon, Lower Sepik River.

The figure is typical in form to Watam carvings where the figure almost stands to attention, with arms staright to the side and legs straight. It is greatly softened in two ways. Firstly, the addition of animals – clan totems – on the head and legs. The main head itself is very bird-like. Secondly by the fine engraved motifs around the face and on the lower part of the figure. This may be part of a larger carved form, but it retains its own aesthetic form beautifully.

Mounted on a black wood block.