Washkuk Minja Figure-Nukuma Culture-Constance Fearing Collection-New Guinea Art-Oceanic Art
While the minja figures from the Nukuma culture living in the Washkuk Hills north of the Middle Sepik River are not rare, it has been over a decade since I have had one as old and fine as this. Minja were an important part of male initiation and essential to learning the magic involved in growing yams. They were considered male water spirits and displayed in pairs. This one is pre-contact, stone-carved and comes from the Constance McCormick Fearing estate and is on the market the first time in over 40 years. Notice the layers of red and orange pigments on the face, the pierced nasal septum, the unusual carved design on the backside and even the tiny remains of chicken feathers around the raised crescent chin. The figure dates to the late 19th/early 20th century, stands 59 ¼” (150.5 cm) in height and the price is available upon request.