{"product_id":"25-sepik-river-ancestral-fertility-plaque-yamuk-iatmul-papua-new-guinea-ron-perry-provenance","title":"25\" Sepik River Ancestral Fertility Plaque (Yamuk) | Iatmul, Papua New Guinea | Ron Perry Provenance","description":"\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e3363-013\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOffered for sale is an impressive 25.5-inch ancestral fertility plaque (Yamuk figure) from the Middle Sepik River region of Papua New Guinea, acquired directly from the Ron Perry Arizona Room collection. Known traditionally as a fertility protection board, these ceremonial carvings were created by the Iatmul people to bring fertility to newlyweds, ensure safe childbirth, and protect family heirlooms from malevolent forces. This powerful example is hand-carved from a single piece of indigenous hardwood and features a stylized, stacked configuration of ancestors in a crouching birthing position, framed by an openwork protective border and decorated with rich natural earth pigments.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe plaque 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 concentric facial tattoos, and authentic character, making it an exceptional addition to any collection of Oceanic, ethnographic, or tribal art.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eItem Details:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eObject:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Ancestral Fertility Plaque \/ Protection Board (\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eYamuk\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCulture:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Iatmul \/ Sawos\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVillage:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Yamok Village\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRegion:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Middle Sepik River, Papua New Guinea\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePeriod:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Mid to Late 20th Century\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 25.5\" H × 13.25\" W × 2.0\" D (64.8 × 33.7 × 5.1 cm)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaterials:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Indigenous hardwood and natural earth pigments (clay white, ochre yellow, and charcoal black)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProvenance:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Acquired directly from the Ron Perry Arizona Room collection\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition Note:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 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. Ships professionally packed and fully insured.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb id=\"docs-internal-guid-74d1ae8b-7fff-038f-a64d-6aa7dadda09a\"\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThis is available for local pick-up. Shipping can be available for this item. Please contact us for a custom quote or to make arrangements. \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Adventure Room","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44814216233053,"sku":"3363-013","price":299.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0673\/1222\/2301\/files\/3363_013a.jpg?v=1785331504","url":"https:\/\/theadventureroom.com\/products\/25-sepik-river-ancestral-fertility-plaque-yamuk-iatmul-papua-new-guinea-ron-perry-provenance","provider":"Adventure Room","version":"1.0","type":"link"}