Asmat Ancestral Figure, Papua New Guinea, c. 1940s–Early 1970s

I’ve spent time in Papua New Guinea and have an appreciation for the people and culture. Because of that, this piece resonates.

A large Asmat family / ancestor figure from Papua New Guinea, carved from a single timber form and standing approximately 270cm tall. Weathered, imperfect, and full of presence. Likely carved mid-20th century, approximately the 1940s to early 1970s.

Pieces of this scale are uncommon to encounter in Australia and are more often seen in institutional or long-held private collections. This is not typical tourist fare, and it’s hard not to imagine the complexity of trying to import something like this today.

The figure sits on a custom metal stand, allowing it to be displayed securely and cleanly while retaining its raw, sculptural impact.

Undeniably beautiful. A statement piece.

Details
Origin: Asmat region, Papua New Guinea
Date: Likely mid-20th century (c. 1940s–early 1970s)
Material: Carved timber with natural age wear
Height: Approx. 270cm (including stand)
Condition: Structurally stable with age-related splitting and historic limb loss consistent with large-scale examples of this type
Stand: Custom metal stand included

Condition note
This is an honest, collected object with visible age, wear, and losses. These features are consistent with scale, material, and age, and form part of the object’s character and authenticity.

Shipping & Delivery
This item is large and heavy and will require specialist handling. Personal collection from Attic Finds is recommended.
Shipping is quoted individually based on destination and access requirements. Local pickup from Bendigo, Victoria is welcome.
Please contact us prior to purchase for a tailored shipping quote.
Shipping & Delivery Template 2 applies.