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

3363-017

Offered for sale is an impressive 25.5-inch ancestral bat wall carving from the Sepik River region of Papua New Guinea, acquired directly from the Ron Perry Arizona Room collection. Created as a powerful depiction of a clan totem, these ceremonial carvings utilized ancestral spirit power to shield traditional dwellings and protect the community from malicious spirits. This finely rendered example is hand-carved from a single piece of indigenous hardwood and features a stylized bat (flying fox) figure with wings extended wide over a carved crescent support bar, decorated with natural earth pigments.

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 excellent scale, striking facial motifs, and authentic character, making it an exceptional addition to any collection of Oceanic, ethnographic, or tribal art.

Item Details:

Object: Ancestral Bat Wall Carving (Clan Totem)

Culture: Sepik River People

Region: Wombum Village, Papua New Guinea

Period: Mid to Late 20th Century

Dimensions: 7.5" H × 25.5" W × 2" D (19 × 65 × 5 cm)

Materials: Indigenous hardwood and natural earth pigments (ochre, clay, charcoal)

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 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.