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Hôtel des Ventes de Troyes
48
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Male ancestor figure Ramu River region, Papua New Guinea
Mat…
See original version (French)
48
-
Male ancestor figure Ramu River region, Papua New Guinea
Mat…
See original version (French)
Estimate €400 - €600
Voluntary lot
Description
Male ancestor figure Ramu River region, Papua New Guinea
Materials: Wood, natural pigments, shells and organic elements.
Provenance: 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 in Laing.
Leopold III Biological Station on Laing Island. Archives and period photographs preserved.
Collection reference, Field reference: A34, (E), 15.
Dimensions: H. 42 cm.
Ancestral male figure from the Ramu River region, one of the great artistic centres of Papua New Guinea.
artistic centres of Papua New Guinea. This sculpture is characterised by its hieratic silhouette
silhouette, its strongly individualised face and the richness of its preserved ornaments:
earrings, shell elements, necklace and pectoral amulet all contribute to the visual power of the whole.
visual power of the whole.
The face, covered in an ancient red pigment that contrasts with the dark parts of the body, is an immediate eye-catcher,
immediately catches the eye. The inlaid eyes, prominent nose and monumental, finely sculpted hairstyle
give the figure a particularly expressive presence. The geometric
on the headdress and base bear witness to meticulous craftsmanship and an ornamental
ornamental vocabulary specific to the traditions of the Ramu basin.
The conservation of original organic elements is a notable asset. These attributes,
often lost on older pieces, reinforce the character of the work and allow us to understand
and give a more accurate idea of its ritual appearance.
Field reference A34, this figure was collected in Botbot, in the Ramu region, during fieldwork by Guy Seghers.
fieldwork by Guy Seghers. It is mentioned in the original handwritten archives
of the collection. Botbot belongs to the cultural sphere of the Mbore (Gamei) language group and
located in a strategic area close to the trade networks linking the Lower Ramu and Sepik, two of the most important
Sepik, two of the most important centres of artistic creation in New Guinea.
The precision of its provenance, the quality of its fieldwork and the remarkable integrity of its decorative elements
of its decorative elements, this figure is a particularly well-documented testimony to the sculptural traditions
of the sculptural traditions of the Ramu region.
See original version (French)
Auto-translation. Refer to original language for legal validity.
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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