Figure

The human figure, a common motif throughout the Gulf of Papua region, is seldom rendered naturalistically and usually occurs in relief carvings. An exception are rare three-dimensional human forms such as this one, which artists of the Turamarubi peoples fashioned from the fork of a tree into a shape that precluded arms. The long, flexed legs support a sloped-shouldered torso and a small head with carved features. Pigment emphasizes the triangular eyes and defines the mouth and necklace. This figure was probably associated with the yearly moguru ceremonies that ushered youths into adulthood.