Lower Sepik River Figure, Kandimbong

Lower Sepik River Figure, Kandimbong

Lower Sepik River Figure, male ancestor Kandimbong, with headdress and mask-like face, geometric design on back of neck, and wearing original mal or loin-cloth.

In his Diary page 163 (lot 108 box F1), Ledoux may have been referring to this particular figure when he writes: “Collected a malita (pidg.) or NUMARUKIRAR. First scratched a bit …, then given to woman to make her like you….Collected small figures. One male one to put on canoe bow with food offerings to make the canoe go well….little figures remain on the shore but a big one with a mal goes along in the stern of the canoe. These are also called Kandimbong … ”

Locale: Lower Sepik River
Country: Papua New Guinea

Date: 1936 or earlier
Material: Wood, fiber
Dimensions: H12 1/2″
Technique: Carved