Abelam Wapinyan Figure-New Guinea Art-Oceanic Art
You have to love Abelam art. There is a joy, ingenuity, and vibrancy to the best of it. Always searching for the boldest colors to bring their objects to life—literally. This small figure would be considered a wapinyan—or small yam child. The totemic hornbill is especially well done with striking blue pigments. The figure is a good old one with pierced nose that comes from the late prominent Kansas City art patron Morton Sosland’s collection. The figure dates to the 1930/40s, stands 34 5/8” (88 cm) in height and sells for $5500.