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Female figure, Aripa, C-14 dating: 1640–1880 (95.4% probability)
Wood
106.7 cm (42 in.)
The Marcia and John Friede Collection, a Promised Gift to the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco L05.1.253

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Artist Biography: (none) PROVENANCE: "Nils Madsen Collection, Ambunti, Papua New Guinea (?)." (Catalog #272, New Guinea Art: Masterpieces from the Jolika Collection of Marcia and John Friede, 2005, Volume 2, p. 126.) PUBLICATIONS: 2005 - "This female is very different from the previous Newton Collection carving (pl. 270). The elongated part above the head is unusual. Because of that detail the figure may perhaps be best compared with a figure published by Kaufmann, 2003 (fig. 157, right) said to be, 'probably the representation of a clan ancestor.' The considerable size of the figure shown here would seem to speak in support of such a suggestion (Dirk Smidt, personal communication). The use of shadows, rather than open carving, defines its outlines. In the flickering of light of the men's house, the design would have conveyed a powerful spirituality. Its somewhat later date suggests the Ewa styles were then diversifying." (Catalog #272, New Guinea Art: Masterpieces from the Jolika Collection of Marcia and John Friede, 2005, Volume 2, p. 126.)

Related Keywords
Aripa figure Female Francisco San Museums Arts Fine Gift Promised 126 p 2 Volume 2005 Friede John Marcia Jolika Masterpieces Art 272 Catalog Ambunti Madsen Nils people Ewa Oceania Province Sepik East Guinea New Papua Melanesia Sculpture Wood 0215200508210004 A361168 L05.1.253 AOA