Female figure Ramu River, Madang Province, Papua... Lot 23

Female figure Ramu River, Madang Province, Papua New Guinea Carved wood, pigment Height: 42cm Late 19th or early 20th century Provenance: Todd Barlin, Paddington, Australia Marcia & John Friede JOLIKA Collection, Rye, New York Acquired from previous owner in November 2005 Representation of a female ancestor in a posture, classical position, standing with arms detached from the body. The subtle movement of the body is suggested by a dysmetria, a contrapposto of the pelvis, one of the two legs and the slightly receding shoulder, giving the figure a beautiful dynamic. Massive leg muscles. The bust reveals a small, rounded chest, and the slender, angular shoulders contrast with the imposing face with its long, triangular chin. The intensity of the deep, serious, striking, powerful gaze is conferred by the strict, horizontal, linear arch of the eyebrows. The rounded forehead is topped by a beautiful headdress. Its modelling and contours indicate that it was carved with a lithic tool, and with a beautiful patina of use testifying to its great age, this sculpture is characterized by the sobriety of its details, while masterfully concentrating all the power of the statuary of this region.