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AuctionsA Lifetime of Discovery IIILot 105

Large Sepik River Ancestor Figure with Cowrie Shell Eyes — view 1
Large Sepik River Ancestor Figure with Cowrie Shell Eyes — view 1
Large Sepik River Ancestor Figure with Cowrie Shell Eyes — view 2
Large Sepik River Ancestor Figure with Cowrie Shell Eyes — view 3
Large Sepik River Ancestor Figure with Cowrie Shell Eyes — view 4
Large Sepik River Ancestor Figure with Cowrie Shell Eyes — view 5
Large Sepik River Ancestor Figure with Cowrie Shell Eyes — view 6
Large Sepik River Ancestor Figure with Cowrie Shell Eyes — view 7
Large Sepik River Ancestor Figure with Cowrie Shell Eyes — view 8

Lot 105

Large Sepik River Ancestor Figure with Cowrie Shell Eyes

Estimate$1,200–$2,000

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Offered in A Lifetime of Discovery III · Sunday, November 1, 2026, To be announced

A large carved wood ancestor or protective figure from the Sepik River region, Papua New Guinea, with elongated body, oversized head, inset cowrie-shell eyes and fiber cord adornments. Dark weathered surface with traces of pale pigment and extensive age-related wear.

Height: 48.5 in.

Provenance
Property from an important private collection, assembled by a dealer and collector over more than six decades.
Condition
Extensive surface wear, age cracking and scattered losses; deep vertical shrinkage split with later stabilizing repair to the underside of the base.

Estimates are opinions of value, given as a guide.