Lot 181 Dα

Literaturhinweise

Wardwell, A., Island Ancestors: Oceanic Art from the Masco Collection, Seattle, 1994, p.85, no.27
Allan Wardwell, writing about this figure in the above publication, states: This figure was used in conjunction with the third and last Warasei yam harvest ceremony, nogwi, which was attended only by the most powerful men of the community. After the yams had been harvested and stored, because they were so powerful, they could not be eaten until all three ceremonies had been performed in sequence.
The carving represents a female spirit. It was one of two representing the female spirit Hameiyau or Sanggriyau that was set up on a platform in front of a basket containing yams and decorated with shell ornaments, hair from clan members, and, attached to a headband, two bags holding nuts, fish, meat, and eggs. During the ensuing ceremonies which lasted until dawn, it was believed that the two figures danced with each other. When the carvings were put away, the food from the headband bags was distributed to women to bring about success in fishing.
The facial features, breasts, navel, and vagina are shown as geometric forms in high relief on this figure. The other designs probably represent body painting.