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• Auction House:
  Theodore Bruce
• Sale Name:
  The Todd Barlin Collection
• Sale Date:
  17 Aug 2015 ~ 6pm
• Lot #:
  306
• Lot Description:
  A Yina Figure, Kwoma People, Waskuk Area, Upper Sepik
  this very expressive Yina has all the attributes of good Kwoma Sculpture, looking at the side view the nose is suspended from the forehead, much of the original ochre painted designs intact.
  101cm
• Notes:
  Yina is one of three distinct ceremonies held annually in the villages of the kwoma, Nukuma and Mayo speakers of the Upper Sepik River, these ceremonies are associated with the harvesting of yams. Yina is the first of the yam harvest ceremonies. The basic iconographic feature is a highly stylized representation of the human head. The head is greatly enlarged with a prominent nose, disembodied and with a long pointed shaft. The most striking feature of the face is the nose, a common Sepik symbol of the phallus.Though strong symbols of maleness permeate the sculptural form, the Yina can be designated either male or female. Yina represent spirits known as sikilawos, which have great power and are responsible for the continuing fertility of the yam gardens.Older Yina's are hidden in garden huts, away from the village. They have acquired power over time and through use. New carvings are required from time to time; power is not inherent, but develops in the process of carving and painting.
• Estimate:
  A$800 - 1,000
• Realised Price:
  *****
  

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• Category:
  Tribal

This Sale has been held and this item is no longer available. Details are provided for information purposes only.