Head
Porapora River region, Papua New Guinea. Early 20th Century

PROVENANCE: Marcia and John Friede Collection, Rye, New York.
PUBLISHED: Porapora Archaic Terracottas from the Jolika Collection, 2015. Figure 40.

Small terracotta objects were produced all over the lower Sepik. While predominantly produced for utilitarian purposes, a small portion were fashioned for ceremonial and ritualistic uses. This small head exhibits extensive lines and decoration across the entire object. The face is extremely dynamic, suggesting both anthropomorphic and zoomorphic features. The pursed lips and facial scarification transforms the right eye into that of a bird.

Height: 3 in.
IN 10-11-15 / SOLD