In the Lake Sentani region, figurative art adorned chiefs’ houses as well as the village ceremonial houses. Sculptures crowned the posts. carved from tree trunks and sunk in the lake, that rose through the floors and to support the structures.
This example displays the poise and serenity typical of most Sentani figures. It has been removed from the post and makes a fine free-standing sculpture representing the culture of the region. Lake Sentani is a shallow lake in what is now Papua, previously known as Irian Jaya, West Papua New Guinea.
 
The piece was collected in the 1960’s by a ranger/surveyor, who gave his collection to the parents of Adrian Nicholas in 1987.
32"H x 5.5"W x 5"D
 
Reference: Ancestors of the Lake: Art of Lake Sentani and Humbolt Bay, New Guinea. Edited by Virginia-Lee Webb.
Also From the South Seas, Oceanic Art in the Teel Collection. Edited by Christraud M. Geary.