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Male Ancestor Figure

before 1930
limestone
Overall: 28 cm (11 in.)
Gift of Dr. and Mrs. Thomas Munro 1971.151
Location: not on view
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Description

Carved and painted chalk figures from New Ireland served as repositories for the spirits of deceased men and women during funeral rituals. After the ceremony, the figures were destroyed or discarded, allowing the spirits to join their ancestors.
Male Ancestor Figure

Male Ancestor Figure

before 1930

Melanesia, Central New Ireland, Namatani District, 20th century

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