Ceremonial Carving of a Spirit Figure (Mindja)
Artist:
Unknown
Probable place made:Papua New Guinea
Date: early- 20th century
Medium: Painted wood
Credit Line: San Antonio Museum of Art, gift of Gilbert M. Denman, Jr.
Object number: 77.1032
Label Text
This cult object was displayed during "Mindja-ma," the second cycle of the yam ceremonies. These carvings are displayed in pairs during yam harvest rituals. The triangular designs below the face symbolize banana leaves, and the wavelike form running along the axis is a snake. These sculptures represent water spirits that could sometimes be seen by people, swimming just below the surface. Some accounts also associate them with spirits of the sky and thunder.
On view
In Collection(s)
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.
This resource has been made possible in part by the National Endowment for the Humanities: Exploring the Human Endeavor.
