Rare "grade Figure" Malakula Vanuatu Océanie Primitive Art

Grade Figure carved in the trunk of a tree fern.
Over-modeled and painted with natural pigments 
Collected on Malakula Islands
VANUATU
Height: 240 cm

True symbols of Vanuatu which has elevated them to the rank of major customary objects,
Tree ferns called "Grade Figure" confer on the men who sculpt them their ranks in the chiefdoms.

The ferns are carved out of sight of women in the heart of the trunk on the very place of the cut.
Only a few sculptors still master the centuries-old gestures and the outline of the refined forms which make these ferns unique and timeless works. They accompany the secret rites and passages of ranks.

Can be displayed outdoors as indoors

Sold with its CITES number issued by the DREAL Poitiers

To be collected on site only or sent to be studied with the 'Buyer