Fore culture, Eastern Highlands, Papua New Guinea
Early 20th century
Wood, pigment, natural fiber, shell, feathers
Height 41 in / 104 cm
Provenance: Field collected in New Guinea in the 1960s by Stan Moriarty, Sydney, Australia; Stephen Kellner Gallery, Sydney, Australia; Wayne Heathcote, London, UK; Art Loss Register certificate #S00256020
This Highlands decoy figure was made within the Fore cultural region of eastern Papua New Guinea, where such figures were associated with protective spirits and placed near fortified village enclosures. Their role was connected to defense, visibility, and ritual protection, particularly in relation to night raids. The figure is strongly carved, with an animated stance and expressive face, retaining painted body motifs and native accoutrements including a kina shell pectoral and feathered headdress. Its scale, surface detail, and documented provenance make it a significant example of Highlands sculptural tradition.
We ship free anywhere in the world, fully insured, packed by hand.
Fore culture, Eastern Highlands, Papua New Guinea
Early 20th century
Wood, pigment, natural fiber, shell, feathers
Height 41 in / 104 cm
Provenance: Field collected in New Guinea in the 1960s by Stan Moriarty, Sydney, Australia; Stephen Kellner Gallery, Sydney, Australia; Wayne Heathcote, London, UK; Art Loss Register certificate #S00256020
This Highlands decoy figure was made within the Fore cultural region of eastern Papua New Guinea, where such figures were associated with protective spirits and placed near fortified village enclosures. Their role was connected to defense, visibility, and ritual protection, particularly in relation to night raids. The figure is strongly carved, with an animated stance and expressive face, retaining painted body motifs and native accoutrements including a kina shell pectoral and feathered headdress. Its scale, surface detail, and documented provenance make it a significant example of Highlands sculptural tradition.
We ship free anywhere in the world, fully insured, packed by hand.
