Ancestor figure

This sculpture of a powerful ancestor named Minjemtimi is adorned with the scars and regalia befitting a fully initiated Sawos man. In the Sepik River region, boys customarily undergo scarification as part of their transition to adulthood. Raised notches run down this figure’s left back, buttocks, and upper thigh in emulation of scaly crocodile skin. Oral histories tell of a famous attack by Yamok villagers on the wood sculpture’s original home. Minjemtimi sprang to life in defense of his people, fighting with the legendary adversary Kulumbowi, who cut off Minjemtimi’s arm with a spear. Severely wounded, Minjemtimi fell to the ground and turned back into wood. He was then carried off by the raiders. Drill holes in the left shoulder indicate where his arm was reattached.