Female ancestor sculpture - Lot 29

Female ancestor sculpture Sawos population Middle Sepik, Papua New Guinea Wood, shells and pigments H. 53 cm Provenance: According to its former owner, collected before 1920 Powerful female figure. The face is covered with red and white facial paint in sinuous lines. The eyes are marked by shell inserts. The hands are brought to the hips and the arms are detached from the torso in an assertive posture. This spirit or ancestor figure exudes presence and evocative power in a style characteristic of Middle Sepik groups. Condition report: Minor surface scratches, abrasions and cracks. Some loss of material and pigments. Color fading, condition consistent with age and use.