A Fine and Rare Washkuk - Yessan figure, North-Coastal washkuk, Yessan village; Papua New Guinea
The rare figure with elongated face and and rounded chin, finely pigmented and with a geometricized body and arms and small breasts, terminating in a stick-like base. H. 40"
Among the Inhabitants of Yessan village, which is stylistically related to both the Nkuma Washkuk and Non-Washkuk peoples to the North, these rare figures served the function of Yena figures, which in the rest of washkuk country are only portrayed as heads. This rare figure was one of only several that Edler collector on his only trip to Yessan.
Comments: Property of a New York Private Collector
Provenance: Field collected by John C. Edler in Yessan Village, Mayo/Nkuma- Washkuk, over 20 years ago