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An Abelam 'Kara Ut' ornament from Papua New Guinea browse these categories for related items... Directory: Vintage Arts: Regional Art: Oceanic: Sculpture: Pre 1950: item # 933488 Please refer to our stock # A8710L when inquiring.
michael cichon tribal arts P.O. Box 5919 Bradenton, FL 34281 941.224.0440 Guest Book $950.00 |
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| The Abelam people of Papua New Guinea live between the foothills of the Prince Alexander Mountains to the north and the Sepik River to the south. They are best known for their flamboyant, painted architectural carvings, but they also excel in more delicate, detailed objects, such as this fine, painted fiber, boar's tusk, and shell ornament. It represents a spirit and is anthropomorphic in form. The tusks at the top of the head are not viewed by the Abelam as horns. Rather, they are a reminder that, in the past, the ornament sometimes functioned as a war charm. When attacking an enemy, the 'kara ut' was held in a warrior's mouth, the large boar tusks giving the illusion of growing out of his own jaw, the figure dangling below. The boar is equated with the spirit world, bravery and aggression by the Abelam. Today, when worn, the ornament is suspended on the back or chest of the 'big men,' leaders in their villages who might be successful yam farmers, orators, and, in former times, glorified warriors. The name 'kara ut,' describes the two main components - 'kara,' meaning boar, alluded to by the tusks, and 'ut,' which is a net bag, referring to the material and construction of the ornament. Originally purchased from John Edler in the late 1960's. Just over 14"L x 4.75"W at the tusks, the ornament is intact and tightly constructed with ample remains of organic red, yellow and black pigments. Early-mid 20th century. | |||||||
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