Sepik River Ancestral Spirit Plaque (Samban) | Iatmul, Papua New Guinea | Ron Perry Provenance

3363-015

Offered for sale is an impressive 24-inch ancestral spirit plaque (Samban) from the Blackwater River region of Papua New Guinea, acquired directly from the Ron Perry Arizona Room collection. Known traditionally as a Samban plaque or cult hook, these ceremonial carvings were created by the Kabriman people to hang inside the ceremonial men's house (Haus Tambaran), utilizing ancestral spirit power to protect clan valuables, sacred bundles, and the community from malicious spirits. This powerful example is hand-carved from a single piece of indigenous hardwood and features an elongated, stylized ancestor figure integrated into an openwork protective frame, heavily decorated with traditional natural earth pigments.

The 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 curvilinear clan motifs, and authentic character, making it an exceptional addition to any collection of Oceanic, ethnographic, or tribal art.

Item Details:

Object: Ancestral Spirit Plaque / Cult Hook (Samban)

Culture: Kabriman

Region: Blackwater River, Papua New Guinea

Period: Mid to Late 20th Century

Dimensions: 24" H × 8" W × 2" D (61 × 20.3 × 5.1 cm)

Materials: Indigenous hardwood, natural earth pigments (ochre, clay, charcoal), and plant fiber suspension cord

Provenance: Acquired directly from the Ron Perry Arizona Room collection

Condition Note: This piece exhibits authentic, stable aging, beautiful native patination, and minor wear consistent with age and traditional ceremonial 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.