Deity Figure (Yipwon)

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Deity Figure (Yipwon)

Artist: Unknown

Place made:Papua New Guinea

Culture: Yimam people

Date: late- 19th-early- 20th century

Medium: Carved wood

Dimensions:

h. 107 in. (271.8 cm); w. 5 in. (12.7 cm); d. 9 1/4 in. (23.5 cm)

Credit Line: San Antonio Museum of Art, gift of Gilbert M. Denman, Jr.

Object number: 77.1045

Label Text

Amongst the Yimam and Alamblak people of the Korewori and Blackwater Rivers in New Guinea, Yipwon are the major war and hunting deities. The Yipwon are said to have sprung from the splinters left over from carving a slit-gong drum. Traditionally they are seen only by initiated men. Small Yipwon are carried as amulets. Larger ones, like this one, were kept in the tribe's Men's House. Carved to be viewed in profile, these remarkably crafted sculptures, also known as "Kamanggabi" figures or "Aripa," are masterpieces of artistic conception. | Before a hunt, a man smears his Yipwon with his own blood and with animal excrement. Red betel nut juice might be spit on the carving. These actions appeal to the Yipwon for help. That night the invisible soul of the Yipwon hunts. If the hunter's plea is successful, the Yipwon will direct him to his prey. The hunter presents the Yipwon with bits of the meat after the kill. Similar rituals are used for war.

On view

In Collection(s)

Oceanic Art

The San Antonio Museum of Art is in the process of digitizing its permanent collection. This electronic record was created from historic documentation that does not necessarily reflect SAMA's complete or current knowledge about the object. Review and updating of such records is ongoing.

Artwork

Deity Figure (Yipwon)

Deity Figure (Yipwon)