RITUAL POTTERY FIGURES, Upper Sepik River

Chris Boylan Oceanic Art

POTTERY  CULT FIGURES, Washkuk Hills, Upper Sepik River, PNG.

a)    22 x 11 x 12cm     $ 2,800      

b)    25 x 19 x 16cm     $ 1,200

In the Washkuk Hills elaborate ceremonies accompanyingthe yam harvest ensureing fertility for the coming season. Large wooden figures form the major ceremonial display objects at these times. Among these are cult pottery forms, known as wasau, characterised by strong facial features, a beard-like flange below the typically “smiling” mouth, which is typically “smiling”, a long, projecting nose with a large pierced septum. The large eyes and mouth are openings.  These pottery figures taper towards the top, are painted overall with a deep black pigment and with highlights in white around the eyes. Generous use of brilliant red pigment brings these pottery figures to life.

These cult pots were studied by se veral anthropological teams: Whiting and Reed (1938-39); Douglas Newton (1971): Kaufman (1972). These pots represent sacred spirits, sikilawas, that are related to yams and primeval times.

A)       An elegant and imaginative pottery figure, a prominent nose and head supported on a pottery pillar and strikingly bent forward. A cowrie shell is tied through the septum with bark fibre string. These important pottery figures were used as ancillary objects in the important harvest fertility ceremonies, given personal names, and repainted before each annual event.

B)       This large pot, with strong Kwoma face and large nose is hollow inside and fashioned to be mounted on a post. Perforations around the edges allow secure attachment to the pole. Kaufman describes two particular feasts where this cult head is used – Hamayo (in wet season) and the Yinamu feast. (in the dry season).

$2,800.00

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