Male Ancestor Figure
Unknown Artist
before 1930
Medium
limestone
Dimensions
h. 28 cm
Classification
Sculpture
Department
Oceania
Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Credit
Gift of Dr. and Mrs. Thomas Munro
Accession Number
1971.151
About this artwork
Carved and painted chalk figures from New Ireland served as repositories for the spirits of deceased men and women during funeral rituals. After the ceremony, the figures were destroyed or discarded, allowing the spirits to join their ancestors.