Showrooms

Yam Ancestor Figure Totem Pole Papua New Guinea with Provenance

Offered by: Tishu

Description
A yam ancestor totem pole from the mid-Sepik River region of Papua New Guinea. Carved out of a solid wood by the Abelam People, who cultivated yams as their main crop, the pole features the classical form of the Yam ancestor in his frontal pose. It was painted with bright polychrome colors. The wear and patina suggest that it was field collected from the native use. It is likely dated around 1940-50s.
This figure was exhibited in Traditional Artifacts From the South Pacific, University Gallery, University of Massachusetts at Amherst, Nov-Dec 1991. A picture of it was included in the catalog brochure.
A copy of the brochure and the photo with the piece is shown in detail photos and will be included with the purchase. No stand.

More Information

Origin:	Papua New Guinea
Period:	1920-1949
Materials:	wood and paint
Condition:	Fair. Tribal art likely collected from the field and used natively. Losses of the colors, some wood crackles and losses, noticeably on the top back, holes etc, as shown in the photos.
Creation Date:	20th century
Styles / Movements:	Other , Folk Art
Incollect Reference #:	370221

Dimensions

H.	37 in;	Diam.	6 in;
H.	93.98 cm;	Diam.	15.24 cm;

Message from Seller:

Tishu, based in Atlanta, GA, offers a diverse collection ranging from Neolithic art to 20th-century collectibles, with a focus on Mid-century design, Japanese and Korean art, Asian textiles, and Contemporary Aboriginal art. Driven by a passion for timeless beauty, the gallery is open by appointment only and offers works that span 5,000 years of history. Reach them at 305-400-0561 or tishu@tishugallery.com.