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Coaxing the Spirits to Dance: Art of the Papuan Gulf

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Enlarge Figure (agiba)
Papuan Gulf, Kerewa area, Ubuo'o Village
Wood, pigment; 37 in. (94 cm)
Faith-dorian Wright

This masterful example of a figure type called agiba celebrated Kerewa ancestors and the communal longhouse identity, thus ensuring success in conflict. We know the history of this sculpture thanks to several photographs made at various times and locations. It was first photographed by Paul B. de Rautenfeld on May 11, 1925. In October 1961 it was photographed several times by Roy James Hedlund, who later purchased it in Ubuo'o Village. This exhibition marks the first time the agiba and photographs of it are seen together.

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