#10 • Temes Nevimbur Ceremonial figure from Malekula

Part of Professor’s Collection Part One: Pacific & Pre-Columbian Artifacts (live auction by Blue Box Auction Gallery)

High bid $140.00

Status: Sold

Estimated Value: $450-650 Origin: Vanuatu, Malekula Island Dimensions:  23x10x36 in. on stand Condition: Wear and cracking of the natural materials, it has some pieces of the clay and materials chipped off in some places like its hands.  Additional Information: A Temes Nevimbur figure that is often used in ceremonies and holds cultural significance. Used during initiation ceremonies often placed in a circular pattern in "nakamal" hidden and sacred sites. The figure has a face with an open mouth and a point on its head, and boar tusks on both sides of its face. It also has a slim body on a stick and outstretched hands, its painted black, orange, and white and appears to be made of natural fibers such as clay, vegetable paste, reeds, wood and natural pigments.  Boar tusks are sometimes used as currency in Vanatu and often represented wealth and status. Temes Nevimber are types of rods or puppets that are used in secret society ceremonies and represent are used to tell mythological stories. It comes with a wooden base stand. Reportedly, provenance: Wayne Heathcote, London/Miami.