Male Figure (Aripa)

16th–19th century

Not on view

With its brooding expression and stylized single leg with peglike protruding knee, this aripa figure captures the otherworldly quality of the helping spirit it represents. Carved by an artist of the Ewa people of the upper Karawari River in New Guinea, the figure shares certain stylistic features with others of its type. These include a prominent face, a central section depicting what are possibly internal organs, and a single leg. Within these conventions, however, the carver had free reign to depict the idiosyncratic anatomical features that characterized this particular spirit. Among the Ewa, each man owned such a figure. Kept in the men's ceremonial house, the figure depicted his individual helping spirit who aided him in the hunt.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Exhibition History

References

Title: Male Figure (Aripa)
Date: 16th–19th century
Geography: Papua New Guinea, Middle Sepik, Korewari River region
Culture: Inyai-Ewa people
Medium: Wood, paint
Dimensions: H. 54 x W. 5 x D. 6 in. (137.2 x 12.7 x 15.2 cm)
Classification: Wood-Sculpture
Credit Line: The Michael C. Rockefeller Memorial Collection, Purchase, Nelson A. Rockefeller Gift, 1967
Object Number: 1978.412.1508
Curatorial Department: The Michael C. Rockefeller Wing

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