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Unknown
(Vanuatu)
- Title
- Grade society figure (Male half figure)
- Other titles:
- Carved figure (Grade-symbol of a male half figure)
- Place of origin
-
Ambrym (Ambrim) Island →
Vanuatu
- Cultural origin
- Ambrym people
- Media category
- Sculpture
- Materials used
- carved Cycas (tree fern)
- Dimensions
-
80.0cm height
- Credit
- Purchased 1964
- Accession number
- IA4.1964
- Location
- Not on display
- Further information
The tree fern (Cycas) is one of the most sacred plants in Vanuatu. Its importance is such that it figures in the country's coat of arms. The starchy pith of the plant provides a flour similar to that of the sago palm.
Other parts of the tree are used in medicinal preparations intended to treat poisonous bites. Images carved out of the trunk are important symbols at funeral ceremonies, and other totems are used to delimit sacred areas.
© Art Gallery of New South Wales, 2005
- Bibliography (2)
-
Tony Tuckson (Egypt; England; Australia, b.1921, d.1973) (Author), Aboriginal and Melanesian art, Domain, 1973, 41. cat.no. 2
1964 Acquisitions 1964, 1964, 63. cat.no. 115
- Exhibition history (2)
-
Melanesian Art, Art Gallery of New South Wales, 20 Apr 1966–22 May 1966.
Aboriginal and Melanesian art, Art Gallery of New South Wales, 19 Oct 1974 -.
