Lot 59
Grade Figural Sculpture, Vanuatu Ambrym Island
Sold June 27, 2025
- Price realized
- $275
Price realized is the winning bid (hammer price) and excludes buyer’s premium.
About this lot
Estimated Value: $600-4,000
Origin: Vanuatu, Ambrym Island, 20th Century, Maghe Ne Wurwur Culture
Dimensions: 18x98in
Condition: No visible damage some fibers falling off around the edges due to the natural material.
Additional Information: A Vanuatu figure made by the Maghe Ne Wurwur people that is commissioned to be made to be used as a public monument ritualized offerings at a ceremony that includes drumming, performances, and sacrificing pigs so one can get graded in a Kastom political and social system, taking a new grade and move up in the hierarchy scale in the community advancing their status. The sculpture is of a large stylized abstract face made out of fern wood or palm wood. The face has a top knot, large eyes, and a large nose that meets a carved animal, most likely an alligator, with a painted white collar around its neck. The sculpture and animal is painted with polychrome highlighting the face with red, blue, and white hues, including teeth.
Lot details
- Lot
- 59
- Closed
- June 27, 2025
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