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House-post Figure

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House-post Figure

Date:
19th century
Geography:
Papua New Guinea, Lower Sepik, Keram River
Culture:
Kambot people
Medium:
Wood, paint, fiber
Dimensions:
H. 96 in (243.8 cm)
Classification:
Wood-Architectural
Credit Line:
The Michael C. Rockefeller Memorial Collection, Gift of Nelson A. Rockefeller, 1969
Accession Number:
1978.412.823

This artwork is currently on display in Gallery 354

  • Description

    The Kambot people live along the banks of the Keram River, a tributary of the lower Sepik River in New Guinea. This figure was not originally an independent sculpture but probably formed part of a housepost supporting the roof of a ceremonial house. The image represents either Mobul or Goyen, two mythical brothers who are associated with the creation of plants and animals. The brothers' spirits were believed to reside within the houseposts at certain times. This figure is probably the largest surviving example of Kambot wood sculpture. The head is a double image in which the eyes and nose of the central face also form the arms and flute of a second, smaller figure.

  • Provenance

    L. R. Webb, Oakland, Calif., until 1963; Nelson A. Rockefeller, New York, 1963, on loan to The Museum of Primitive Art, New York, 1963–1969; The Museum of Primitive Art, New York, 1969–1978

  • See also
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    In the Museum
    Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History
    MetPublications
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