VANUATU PAINTED FERN FIGURE, CA. 1950's

Description

VANUATU PAINTED FERN FIGURE, CA. 1950's
Offered is a Vanuatu, Malekula Island, painted fern figure collected in the 1950's. The figure is approximately 9 feet in height. Originating from Malekula Island, the figure was carved from the root and partial trunk of a large fern tree. It features painted details and a dog totem carved in relief near the base. Fern figures were carved in various Vanuatu islands: Ambrym, Malekula, Banks among others throughout Vanuatu, but Malekula ferns are less common. In general, fern figures were carved to be placed near the huts of important men in the village and to be placed in ceremonial gathering sites. I have included an old field photo of a Malekula fern with a similar dog motif.
I have marked this piece as "No shipping-local pick-up only" but I can certainly ship the figure to you as I have done for other clients world-wide in the past. Shipping will entail having a custom crate built and the finished crate can be sent via ocean or air freight.
Please contact me with any question.