Abelam Spirit Board POA
Used at times of male initiations, this spirit board "Utmandji" was a form of decoration within a man's house. This elaborate carving features a guardian spirit or ancestor, adorned with a prominent headdress known as a "Waken", iconic to the Abelam people. Natural pigments remain intact. Carved from buttress root. A fine village repair is evident on the lower right hand section.
DIMENSIONS: 36" X 17.5"
LOCATION: Abelam, Papua New Guinea, East Sepik.
Used at times of male initiations, this spirit board "Utmandji" was a form of decoration within a man's house. This elaborate carving features a guardian spirit or ancestor, adorned with a prominent headdress known as a "Waken", iconic to the Abelam people. Natural pigments remain intact. Carved from buttress root. A fine village repair is evident on the lower right hand section.
DIMENSIONS: 36" X 17.5"
LOCATION: Abelam, Papua New Guinea, East Sepik.
Used at times of male initiations, this spirit board "Utmandji" was a form of decoration within a man's house. This elaborate carving features a guardian spirit or ancestor, adorned with a prominent headdress known as a "Waken", iconic to the Abelam people. Natural pigments remain intact. Carved from buttress root. A fine village repair is evident on the lower right hand section.
DIMENSIONS: 36" X 17.5"
LOCATION: Abelam, Papua New Guinea, East Sepik.