Image: Carved face from Papua New Guinea
In Abelam society, initiations and yam ceremonies are occasions for creating various carvings. This carved face represents either the main ancestral spirit Nggwal or another spirit, and was probably part of a larger display of spirits in the haus tambaran, the central male cult house.
- Photographer:
- Carl Bento
- Rights:
- © Australian Museum
Additional information
Australian Museum Collection E61505
Kalabu village, Maprik sub-province, East Sepik Province, Papua New Guinea
Collected in 1964
Wood, paint
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