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Vanuatu Fernwood Grade Ritual Figure, Ambrym Island

$10,000

£7,554.63

€8,663.52

CA$13,953.09

A$15,185.25

CHF 8,049.69

MX$182,690.16

NOK 102,095.88

SEK 93,410.58

DKK 64,723.08

About the Item

Vanuatu Fernwood Grade Ritual Figure, Ambrym Island. A sculpture carved from a solid section of the fibrous trunk of a tree fern composed of aerial roots surrounding a woody core, in the distinctive Vanuatu human form of a large headed male crouching with extended belly, the elongated arms extending underneath with the fingers touching, prominent pointed nose with flared nostrils, protruding round disc eyes, crested hair. Figures such as these were created as part of the complex system of 'grade' rituals through which an individual was able to progress through a succession of different ranks, each of which conferred increasing social status, religious knowledge and, most crucially, equivalent rank in the afterlife. Indeed, on rare occasion it was possible for an individual who had attained the highest possible grade to become a member of the 'living dead', possessing the status of a revered ancestor even before their physical death. Progression in grade could take several years, and each increase in rank required ever greater expense and effort, with the initiate compelled to commission artworks and to distribute wealth, usually in the form of sacred tusker pigs. Figures were used in only one ceremony and different sizes were required for each increase in grade. During the grade rites, grade figures are erected on the dancing ground and serve as temporary abode for the spirits associated with the grade. After the ceremony, the figure, its purpose served, is left on the dancing ground, its supernatural powers waning as it slowly deteriorates. For a similar figure see: Sotheby’s New York, 16 May 2014 African, Oceanic and Pre-Columbian Art Including Property from the Krugier and Lasansky Collections, lot 328 Property of Dr. Richard Mahler, New York and Sotheby’s New York, May 12, 2005 African, Oceanic and Pre-Columbian Art, p. 25, lot 20.

Dimensions:
Height: 49 in (124.46 cm)Width: 9 in (22.86 cm)Depth: 12 in (30.48 cm)
Style:
Tribal (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques:
Organic Material,Hand-Carved
Place of Origin:
Vanuatu
Period:
Mid-20th Century
Date of Manufacture:
Mid 20th century
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use. Signs of weathering, minor losses, otherwise fine condition.
Seller Location:
Point Richmond, CA
Reference Number:
Seller: TM-EH400011stDibs: LU1778236680412

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