Description

Antique amitung (door board) for a dwelling or ceremonial house of the Telefolmin people who live in the southern portion of Sandaun (West Sepik) Province of Papua New Guinea. This large door board is made of a single piece of wood and has an opening for people to enter and exit. The carving is made up of individual motifs that represent different parts of human or animal: the central heart or navel, the wings of a flying fox or fruit bat, spirals represent limbs or eyes. These raised details are painted with pigment. The door is mounted on a stand.

Age: 19th century

Dimensions: 113 1/2″ high x 24″ wide x 4″ deep (with stand: 116″ high x 28 1/2″ wide x 13″ deep)