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Hôtel des Ventes de Troyes

33 - - Statuette - Madang province - - Papua New Guinea - Provena…
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Estimate €400 - €600
Sale commission
Description
- Statuette - Madang province - - Papua New Guinea - 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. The work is recorded in a field notebook under reference A.04 (9), dated 1978, with the words: "Amulette, Bangapela, Ramu (M)". Bangapela is a village in the Ramu valley in Madang province, Papua New Guinea. Materials: Wood Dimensions: H. 15 cm. Elegant miniature anthropomorphic figure representing an ancestor or protective spirit. The figure is shown standing, arms at his sides, with an oversized head characterised by a highly stylised face: half-closed almond-shaped eyes, a long protruding nose and a discreetly indicated mouth. The top of the head is prolonged by a high conical ringed headdress, a recurring feature in certain Keram productions. This sculpture is part of the tradition of personal figures and amulets from the Sepik-Keram basin, where ancestral representations played a central role in ritual and magical practices. These small objects were often kept in fibre bags, displayed in ceremonial houses or used as supports for protection and spiritual intercession. The composition is characterised by its remarkable balance: the synthetic treatment of the body contrasts with the intensity of the face, the real expressive focus of the work. The deep patina and regular wear of the reliefs testify to long handling and reinforce the ancient character of the piece.
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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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