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Male figure, C-14 dating: 1640–1810 (93% probability)
Wood, thick encrusted pigment, Abrus kernels, resin ,beads, and trade cloth ear ornament
85 x 17 x 13 cm (33 7/16 x 6 11/16 x 5 1/8 in.)
The Marcia and John Friede Collection, a Promised Gift to the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco L05.1.9

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Artist Biography: (none) PROVENANCE: "Bruce Seaman Collection, Honolulu." (Catalog #480, New Guinea Art: Masterpieces from the Jolika Collection of Marcia and John Friede, 2005, Volume 2, p. 165.) PUBLICATIONS: 2005 - "According to Douglas Newton, this figure was possibly used in the moguru, which is the principal ceremonial cycle of the Turama and Fly River people (Douglas Newton, personal communication). However, the only Turamarubi carving that he specifically associates with moguru (Newton, 1961, fig. 101) is very different in conception. According to Newton (ibid., 10), the moguru was initiated by the region's culture hero, Marunogere. Newton continues, "the moguru is held once a year, and consists of three main episodes. It is preceded by a number of minor rituals, games and feasts; the real business begins when boys and girls who have reached puberty are ushered into the darimo (men's ceremonial house) where-one sex at either end-they live for a period during which they are instructed in their coming duties as adults. From time to time they are terrorized by masked figures." Smaller figures are also used in these ceremonies. See pl. 489, 490, and 493. The initiates "are also paired off in mock marriages, which are later ratified. At another stage of the moguru, the women enter the darimo to take part in a prolonged sexual orgy. Its purpose is the collection of semen, which is used magically to promote the growth of the sago palms and the initiates. The most secret episode of the cycle involves the capture of a live wild boar which is carried into the darimo attired in the paint, shell ornaments, and the plumed headdress of a great warrior. The young male initiates are made to crawl over its body and bite its head. The beast is highly respected for its courage and obstinacy; after it has been killed and eaten, parts of it are preserved for war magic. This ritual also was invented by Marunogere who, however, intended that the boar should go free; its mistaken killing by another man abolished humanity's chances of immortality." Bruce Seaman has several other fine Turamarubi figures. See Newton, in Gathercole, Kaeppler, and Newton, 1979, figs. 25.10 and 25.11." (Catalog #480, New Guinea Art: Masterpieces from the Jolika Collection of Marcia and John Friede, 2005, Volume 2, p. 165.)

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figure Male Francisco San Museums Arts Fine Gift Promised 165 p 2 Volume 2005 Friede John Marcia Jolika Masterpieces Art 480 Catalog Honolulu Seaman Bruce speakers language Morigi people Turamarubi Oceania Province Gulf Guinea New Papua Melanesia Sculpture ornament ear cloth trade beads resin kernels Abrus pigment encrusted thick eyes seeds red inlaid wood piece fromone Carved 0709200406050368 A360924 L05.1.9 AOA