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Fragment of cult object, Dunegatsir, C-14 dating: 1450–1640 (95.4% probability)
Wood
81.3 x 15.2 x 15.2 cm (32 x 6 x 6 in.)
The Marcia and John Friede Collection, a Promised Gift to the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco L05.1.373

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Artist Biography: (none) PROVENANCE: "R. Christensen Collection, Madang, Papua New Guinea." (Catalog #271, New Guinea Art: Masterpieces from the Jolika Collection of Marcia and John Friede, 2005, Volume 2, p. 126.) PUBLICATIONS: 2005 - "This fragment does not appear to be part of any of the recognized Ewa object types, and perhaps therefore a Yimam provenance is more likely. To some extent it shows a resemblance with two Yimam figures from Danyig (Dainik) and Mengonda, respectively, published by Haberland and Seyfarth, 1974 (figs. 39, 1 and 2, and 42, 1 and 2). Anthony Meyer (personal communication) identified this piece as an archaic version of a dunegatsir cult object. He stated they represent spirits that help hunters. As the Karawari people moved downstream (north) (see pl. 269), it is likely that their style changed as it evolved toward the yipwon image (see pl. 265 and 266)." (Catalog #271, New Guinea Art: Masterpieces from the Jolika Collection of Marcia and John Friede, 2005, Volume 2, p. 126.)

Related Keywords
Dunegatsir object cult of Fragment Francisco San Museums Arts Fine Gift Promised 126 p 2 Volume 2005 Friede John Marcia Jolika Masterpieces Art 271 Catalog Madang Christensen R people Ewa Yimam village Dainik Danyig Oceania Province Sepik East Guinea New Papua Melanesia Sculpture Wood 0709200406050294 A365286 L05.1.373 AOA