The Cleveland Museum of Art

Collection Online as of December 24, 2025

White speckled with grey limestone human-like figure with one-third the sculpture legs, one-third torso, and one-third face. The eyes are indicated by carved circle outlines, the mouth a crescent, around the jaw a beard, and above the forehead a hairline. The figure has holes in their ears and a defined brow. Where their hands would have been held in front of their torso has broken away, along with the nose.

Male Ancestor Figure

before 1930

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

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

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.
  • Year in Review: 1971. The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH (organizer) (December 28, 1971-February 6, 1972).
  • {{cite web|title=Male Ancestor Figure|url=false|author=|year=before 1930|access-date=24 December 2025|publisher=Cleveland Museum of Art}}

Source URL:

https://www.clevelandart.org/art/1971.151