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Hôtel des Ventes de Troyes

24 - - Statue - Sepik river - Papua New Guinea - France Provenanc…
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Estimate €150 - €300
Sale commission
Description
- Statue - Sepik river - Papua New Guinea - France Provenance: Former Guy Seghers collection (Belgium). Collected in Papua New Guinea between 1970 and 1980 during scientific missions linked to the Leopold III Biological Station on Laing Island. Archives and period photographs preserved. Materials: Wood Dimensions: H. 19 cm. Rare small anthropomorphic figure probably representing an ancestor or protective spirit. The figure is treated according to an extremely refined canon: a narrow, elongated body, limbs reduced to geometric volumes and a face dominated by a long triangular nose forming the central axis of the composition. The head is topped by a remarkable cylindrical headdress made up of a succession of sculpted rings, an emblematic feature of certain Keram productions. This headdress accentuates the verticality of the work and reinforces its hieratic character. Figures of this type were generally associated with ancestor worship, personal protection or magical practices. Kept in ceremonial houses or as prestigious personal objects, they served as a support for the spiritual presence of the ancestors and their protective power. The ancient erosion of the relief, the dry patina and traces of use bear witness to a long history of ritual use. Despite its small size, the sculpture exudes a strong presence thanks to the sobriety of its treatment and the remarkable balance of its proportions.
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About the sale ARTS OF AFRICA & OCEANIA: Three exceptional family collections
Auction location
Auction time 06/22/2026 at 2:00 PM
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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