Seated figure
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Life Story
This amazing sculpture illustrates an old or sick person walking with sticks in both hands. It is an image that would be understood by its community and associated with certain stories. The traditional knowledge and skills required to produce this work are unique and evident in the creativity of its design.
During the making of the sculpture traditional chemicals are applied onto the wood. It then must be kept in a safe place for some time for the chemicals to react with the wood, which allows the artist sculpting it to produce the highest quality of work and creativity. The process may also change the colour of the wood. Most of these works are created in a selective environment before being presented to a public audience or community.
Pax Jakupa, February 2023
Provenance
Acquired by the Sainsbury Family in 1954. Donated to the Sainsbury Centre, University of East Anglia in 1973 as part of the original gift.
On display
Title/Description: Seated figure
Born: 1800 - 1899
Object Type: Figure
Measurements: h. 946 x w. 240 x d. 260 mm
Inscription: '9' (in red) and '335' (in white)
Accession Number: 157
Historic Period: 19th century
Production Place: Lower Sepik River, New Guinea, Pacific
Credit Line: Donated by Robert and Lisa Sainsbury, 1973
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