Anthropo- / zoomorphic figure
Click here to view a larger version of the imageLot: 30
97th AuctionAnthropo- / zoomorphic figure
Papua New Guinea - Gulf, Urama Island, Iwaino
Provenance | Size | Starting price / estimated price |
---|---|---|
Bonhams, London, 9 December 2004, Lot 191 Mallams Auctioneers Abingdon, 2015 Desmond Morris (*1928), Great Britain Mallams Auctioneers Oxford, 2019 Morris is an English zoologist, ethologist and surrealist painter, as well as a popular author in human sociobiology. He is known for his 1967 book "The Naked Ape", and for his television programmes such as "Zoo Time". |
H: 29.1 inch; L: 24.4 inch |
This object is not available anymore. |
wood, pigments,
In this object, the natural growth form of a branch or tree root was translated into a figure.
It is probably related to the "imunu" concept, which is widespread throughout the Gulf area.
Strange or unusual things possess "imunu" to a greater degree than ordinary things. The meaning of "imunu" is elusive, it is roughly synonymous for vital strength or vital principle.
Newton, Douglas, Art Styles of the Papuan Gulf, New York 1961, p. 63, ill. 142
Hamson, Michael, Red Eye of the Sun, Los Angeles 2010, p. 74