
Collection Online as of March 27, 2023
Painted wood and cowrie shell
Overall: 207 x 6.4 cm (81 1/2 x 2 1/2 in.)
Gift of Edgar A. Hahn 1963.553
not on view
To the Arambak People, this abstract human figure represents the spirit of war and hunting. Stored in the men's ceremonial houses, such sculptures could not be viewed by women or children. Before hunting or headhunting expeditions, such figures were rubbed with special substances to induce possession by the spirit. The hook arching above the stylized face represents a feather. In the middle of the body is the heart, framed by crescent-shaped ribs. Below is the figure's calf.