Papuan Gulf, Papua New Guinea. Wood, pigment.

Both these board-like figures are from the far western region of the Papuan Gulf, from Goabari Island or the mainland coast immediately adjacent. Both are smaller examples and were carved from the sides of old canoes. The figures represent a powerful ancestor figure, who lives in the clouds, and in mythology guided the people from the west to settle down in their present location. Neither is ancient, coming out of the Gulf in the 1950s or 1960s into private Australian collections.

a) 77 x 19 cm     b) 71 x 21 cm