21" Sepik River Ancestor Sculpture (Awan / Village Cult Figure) | Papua New Guinea | Ron Perry Provenance

3363-014

Offered for sale is an impressive 21.5-inch ancestral cult sculpture (Awan) from the Lower Sepik River region of Papua New Guinea, acquired directly from the Ron Perry Arizona Room collection. Known traditionally as protective village figures, these functional and ceremonial carvings were created by the Pondo people to serve as an earthly anchor for ancestral spirit power, safeguarding the home, prosperity, and health of the clan from malicious spirits.

This powerful example is hand-carved from a single piece of indigenous hardwood and features a highly stylized ancestor figure with elongated bodily proportions, crouching with hands supporting its jaw. The expressive face features striking concentric circular eyes and deeply incised traditional clan geometric markings, further embellished with heavy braided fiber cords lashed to the limbs and framing the head.

The sculpture was field-collected by Ron Perry, a globally renowned expert and one of the most respected Pacific tribal art authorities of the 20th century. Beginning his expeditions in 1964, Perry spent over 40 years traveling by canoe up remote waterways and trekking unmapped terrains to collect authentic pieces directly from traditional clans. His credibility in the field is unmatched: following Papua New Guinea's independence in 1975, the PNG National Cultural Council appointed him to manage Village Arts, their government-run indigenous artifact center.

This is an outstanding display piece with exceptional presence, meticulous natural fiber work, and authentic character, making it an exceptional addition to any collection of Oceanic, ethnographic, or tribal art.

Item Details:

Object: Ancestor Sculpture / Village Cult Figure (Awan)

Culture: Pondo

Village: Angoram Village

Region: Lower Sepik River, Papua New Guinea

Period: Mid to Late 20th Century

Dimensions: 21.5" H × 7" W × 7" D (54.6 × 17.8 × 17.8 cm)

Materials: Indigenous hardwood, natural earth pigments, and hand-woven plant fiber cords

Provenance: Acquired directly from the Ron Perry Arizona Room collection

Condition Note: This piece exhibits authentic, stable aging, beautiful native patination, and minor fiber wear consistent with age and/or traditional use. Please review all photographs carefully, as they are an important part of the description.

This is available for local pick-up. Shipping can be available for this item. Please contact us for a custom quote or to make arrangements.