#59 • Grade Figural Sculpture, Vanuatu Ambrym Island

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

High bid $275.00

Status: Sold

Estimated Value: $600-4,000 Origin: Vanuatu, Ambrym Island, 20th Century, Maghe Ne Wurwur Culture Dimensions: 18x98in Condition: No visible damage some fibers falling off around the edges due to the natural material. Additional Information: A Vanuatu figure made by the Maghe Ne Wurwur people that is commissioned to be made to be used as a public monument ritualized offerings at a ceremony that includes drumming, performances, and sacrificing pigs so one can get graded in a Kastom political and social system, taking a new grade and move up in the hierarchy scale in the community advancing their status. The sculpture is of a large stylized abstract face made out of fern wood or palm wood. The face has a top knot, large eyes, and a large nose that meets a carved animal, most likely an alligator, with a painted white collar around its neck. The sculpture and animal is painted with polychrome highlighting the face with red, blue, and white hues, including teeth.