Figure (Bioma)
Arts of the Pacific Islands
MEDIUM
Wood, natural pigments
DATES
early 20th century
DIMENSIONS
25 x 7 1/4 x 1 1/2 in. (63.5 x 18.4 x 3.8 cm)
(show scale)
INSCRIPTIONS
Labels on back read "MAIPUA - DELTA DIV. PAPUA 11/19/33 5 sticks of tobacco" and "13"; written and crossed out in red ink "34.139 L"; written in red ink "51.118.8"
ACCESSION NUMBER
51.118.8
CREDIT LINE
Gift of John W. Vandercook
CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION
Standing cut-out male figure with circular head, elongated neck, arms raised to shoulder height, triangular torso, descending penis, knees that articulated by projecting profile, and legs that taper into elliptical forms. Surface is decorated with incised geometric patterns that include zigzag patterns, dentated lines, and chevrons. Design is reinforced by the application of white pigment.
Condition is fair. On the proper left arm, at the elbow, is a repair; on the proper right leg, is a crack; and on the proper left leg, is a cut. On the back, probably for mounting purposes, are ten drilled holes. An 8 cm scratch is evident in the middle of the torso. Ten hoes were drilled into the back, where there are also two fabric labels. One reads "Maipua-Delta div., Papua 11/19/33," the other bears the number 13.
MUSEUM LOCATION
This item is not on view
CAPTION
Purari. Figure (Bioma), early 20th century. Wood, natural pigments, 25 x 7 1/4 x 1 1/2 in. (63.5 x 18.4 x 3.8 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of John W. Vandercook, 51.118.8. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 51.118.8.jpg)
IMAGE
overall, 51.118.8.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph
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RIGHTS STATEMENT
Creative Commons-BY
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