Ambrym Island, Vanuatu

carved fernwood

An extraordinary piece, that would have originally had a coating of clay, volcanic ash or dried mud, of which there are some traces. There are some losses of fernwood, however as a decorative piece, these losses do not detract and it has a wonderful 'abstract' quality. On a modern plinth.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Figures carved from the fibrous trunk of the tree fern are the almost exclusive preserve of the central and northern islands of Vanuatu. They were created as part of the complex system of 'grade' rituals through which an individual was able to progress through a succession of different ranks, each of which conferred increasing social status, religious knowledge and, most crucially, equivalent rank in the after-life. Indeed, on rare occasion it was possible for an individual who had attained the highest possible grade to become a member of the 'living dead', possessing the status of a revered ancestor even before their physical death.

Progression in grade could take several years, and each increase in rank required ever greater expense and effort, with the initiate compelled to commission artworks and to distribute wealth, usually in the form of sacred tusker pigs. Figures were used in only one ceremony and different sizes were required for each increase in grade.

Once the carving was complete the figure would be covered in a paste made from earth or ash and brightly painted. It was then placed beneath a raised platform on the village's dancing ground. At the culmination of the ceremony the initiate would ascend the platform and dance in triumph whilst the dancers below pelted them with fruit and other projectiles. The ceremony finally concluded, the figure would be left on the dancing ground to disintegrate as its supernatural powers slowly diminished.