23" Sepik River Ancestral Bat Figure Carving | Papua New Guinea | Ron Perry Provenance

3363-018

Offered for sale is an impressive 23-inch ancestral bat figure carving from the Middle Sepik River region of Papua New Guinea, acquired directly from the Ron Perry Arizona Room collection. This striking anthropomorphic carving blends human and animal forms, a classic hallmark of Sepik tribal art where the bat (or giant flying fox) serves as a vital totem and ancestral spirit. It features a stylized face intricately adorned with traditional incised tribal patterns, a detailed female torso, and expansive, sweeping wings structured with defined ribbed lines.

The carving 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 scale, powerful symmetry, and authentic character, making it a stellar addition to any collection of Oceanic, ethnographic, or tribal art.

Item Details:

Object: Ancestral Bat Spirit Carving (Anthropomorphic Figure)

Culture: Sepik River Tribal

Region: Wombum Village, Papua New Guinea

Period: Mid to Late 20th Century

Dimensions: 23" W × 9" H × 3.5" D

Materials: Indigenous hardwood and natural earth pigments

Provenance: Acquired directly from the Ron Perry Arizona Room collection

Condition Note: This piece exhibits authentic, stable aging, beautiful native patination, and minor surface 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.