IDNO

T.170020.GIJ

Description

Close-up view of a carved wooden Iatmul figure with a flat profile, on display in an exhibition. The large face is lined with cowrie shells, shell eyes,and has a fringe of black cotton braids on top of head and chin. The forehead and edge of face are marked out in metal studs and there are metal loops edging the top of the head. There is a shell disk hanging on the chest. The figure has cowrie armlets, bracelets and anklets. [PB 31/08/2023]

The figure is now in the care of MAA, reference 1930.101, and described as: "A Nggwail representation which may represent a shamanic spirit, Lamwail. A full-length wooden figure with large ovoid head fringed with human hair, border covered in red gum studded with nassa and cowrie shells, and along forehead conus shells." [Description from object record 1930.101, PB 08/09/2023]

Place

Oceania Melanesia; Papua New Guinea; Middle Sepik; Sud-West River; Amblamai

Cultural Affliation

Iatmul

Named Person

Photographer

Jones, Gwilliam Iwan (known as G.I.)

Collector / Expedition

Date

circa 1980 to 1989; 1984

Collection Name

Jones Collection

Source

Format

Colour Transparency

Primary Documentation

Other Information

T.169937.GIJ - T.170148.GIJ were located together in a Agfa transparency box, now numbered C756/.

MAA Exhibition: The figure is currently on display in the front display case on the ground floor with caption: "Artefacts as ancestors. Objects can be related to people, just as people are related to each other. This imposing figure of a spirit was described as the grandfather of a clan. The scarifications are marks of an initiated man. Other decorations signify achievements in life, or membership of a particular kinship group. Iatmul people, Papua New Guinea. Collected by E W P Chinnery. 1930.101''. [PB 31/08/2023]