A NICE AND OLD ABELAM HORNBILL BIRD SCULPTURE

The Abelam people lived in iconic ceremonial houses, which were built on the largest scale known in Papua New Guinea. In these so called ‘Haus Tambarans” cults of initiation and yam growing took place. At the outside of these houses the art of the Abelam was displayed in vast painted gables and lintels to which carvings of hornbills were attached. The hornbill is considered a symbol of the clan.
This bird is painted on both sides and comes with a stand.
Cf: Kultur der Abelam, Gerd Koch page 32-34

Maprik District, East Sepik Province, Papua New Guinea
Wood and natural pigments, 62 x 42 cm, good condition.

Price:  Sold