Bidspirit auction | Lower Sepik River Figure, Male

Lower Sepik River Figure, Male Amulet Kandimbong - Lower Sepik River Figure, small male amulet figure Kandimbong, standing on pedestal, with long hook nose, brag mask-like face, wearing textile mal (loin cloth), intricate design on back of neck, spiral design on shoulder blades. In his Diary page 163 (lot 108 box F1), Ledoux may have been referring to this particular figure when he writes: ”Collected a malita (pidg.) or NUMARUKIRAR. First scratched a bit ..., then given to woman to make her like you....Collected small figures. One male one to put on canoe bow with food offerings to make the canoe go well....little figures remain on the shore but a big one with a mal goes along in the stern of the canoe. These are also called Kandimbwag ... Personal names of this statuette wearing a cloth mal is YAROMAN.” Locale: Murik Lakes, Lower Sepik River Country: Papua New Guinea Date: 1936 or earlier Material: Wood, cloth Dimensions: H 9” / 23 cm Technique: Carved Provenance: Louis Pierre Ledoux Collection Similar item: Christie's 2016 (set of seven) https://www.christies.com/lot/lot--6004484/?from=salesummary&intObjectID=6004484&lid= 1&ldp_breadcrumb=back Sotheby's 2019 https://www.artkhade.com/object/vot31xYc