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Iatmul skull

Iatmul skull overmoddeled with clay and human hair

NOTE: According to some experts (this is not my specialty) it could also be a New Hebrides Vanuatu Skull , what is your opinion?

price: not available anymore

Iatmul skull information request of availability

H=18cm large:23cm

Provenance: Jan Ceusters family estate, pre-1970

materials: skull, clay, human hair

This clay over-modeled Iatmul skull of a woman is quite expressive.

The Iatmul people of Papua New Guinea believe that the head contains all the substance of the being. For this reason, they keep the skulls of their ancestors, which once overmodelled with clay and then painted, become familiar spirits and protectors of the community.

The skull over-modeledwith clay in this episode was part of a Dutch collection.  This artifact commands our respect not only by the delicacy of its workmanship but also because it evokes the mystery of death. The ethnologist, Milan Stanek lived amongst the Iatmul people for several years.

One of the Iatmul ideas associates swirling rivers and all uncertain forms to the residence of spirits. The skulls are used as part of the houses construction and part of the ritual consist of over-modeling the ancestor skull with clay, on the banks of the Sepik River. The different facets of this skull are thus revealed, so referring to our own conception of death and memories of the deceased.

look at the back of this skull, you'll see i is a very old crane brown from color (not white anymore) usually a good sign of aging.

price: not available anymore Iatmul skull information request of availability

The skulls of a clan's founding ancestors are often kept and displayed, as are those of family ancestors. The skull of a person with a strong face or a good nose may also be overmodeled like this one.

image below : Ceremonial House, Kanganaman Village c. 1930 with ancestral skulls in the four small openings.

Bibliography: Iatmul pdf

price not available anymore let me know if you want to add this skull to your collection?

nformation request of availability

African Antiques

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David Norden
Sint Katelijnevest 27
B2000 Antwerp- Belgium

Contact: David Norden
Email:david.@african-antiques.com
Phone: +32 3 227.35.40

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David Norden is a private African art dealer since 1992 who specializes in important works of art from African and ancient cultures.
The artifacts, which are offered to discerning collectors, dealers and to public institutions, are selected for their rarity, provenance and distinctive aesthetic quality at competitive prices.

All our items are sold with a free report with complete description, free delivery, 15 days money back guarantee, and six month exchange guarantee.

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What to do Next ? If you buy you will receive the above documentation with the Iatmul skull and free delivery wordwide

If you are you interested in adding a Iatmul skull to your collection or have any question please send me an email and I'll get in touch with you, or call +32 3 227.35.40. Price include free expedition worldwide and 15 days guarantee and six month exchange guarantee, no questions asked. Read our complete Sale Conditions

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