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Figure of Lord Sky, the supreme god, Manseren Nanggi, 19th–early 20th century
Wood, with detachable arms, traces of pigment, Indonesian textiles
88 cm (34 5/8 in.)

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Artist Biography: (none) PROVENANCE: Jolika Collection of New Guinea Art PUBLICATIONS: 2005 - "This carving represents the supreme deity of the Raja Ampat religion. He has assumed the posture of a priest during a ritual called "feeding the sky," Fan Nanggi. In times of scarcity and insecurity, such as before a sea-going expedition, a priest performed the ritual while standing in a trance. He had upraised arms and usually stood on a platform beside the sacrifices offered to "Lord Sky," the supreme god who decided the fate of the world and of human beings. When the arms of the priest began to tremble, it was the sign that the deity had descended. (See Dirk Smidt's essay, this volume). Sailors from Biak Island in Geelvink Bay (Teluk Cenderawasih) colonized the Raja Ampat Islands, probably more than 500 years ago. This figure blends their New Guinea traditions and those of people farther to the east. Jeff Holmgren was kind enough to identify the Indonesian textiles which decorate the figure. The red "sash" with tassels is from West Timor. The tan loincloth with patterns is a Batak ragidup from North Sumatra. A related figure in the Tropenmuseum, Amsterdam, was collected with nine other carvings representing his two wives (goddesses), his sons, and their wives. (See van Baaren in Greub, 1922: 33)." (Catalog #539, New Guinea Art: Masterpieces from the Jolika Collection of Marcia and John Friede, 2005, Volume 2, p. 179.)

Related Keywords
Nanggi Manseren god supreme the Sky Lord of Figure Art Jolika recorded people culture Oceania extremity northwest Papua West Guinea New Object Ritual textiles Indonesian pigment traces arms detachable Wood 0420200717030028 A383351 AOA