Melanesia, Vanuatu Island, ca. 19th century CE. A dramatic puppet carved from wood and accented with dried red-brown mud applied to bamboo stalks to form a long, phallic nose and bulging eyes that project almost as far out from the face as the nose. The conical head is attached to rod that extends from the top and bottom, with a carved spiked tip. Woven fiber and spider webs around the upper portion form hair, while a spider web on the lower portion, forms a beard. Black and red pigment accent the piece, as do two huge boar tusks at either side of the head. This style of puppet is known as a temes nevimbure and was used during initiation rites. The puppet was held by elder men as they dance around the village, and the spiked tip could be stuck in the ground for the puppet to stand upright while at rest. Size: 9" W x 30.5" H (22.9 cm x 77.5 cm); 22" H (55.9 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex-Tad Dale collection, Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA, 1960-2000

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#154542

The eyes and nose are reattached with visible adhesive residue along breaklines. Stable fissures around the base of the nose and eyes. Extensive deposits on surface. Overall in good condition with a few tiny losses from pigment and fibers.