anthropomorphic panel

D'Albertis Enrico Alberto 1932

XIX - 1851 - 1900

C.D.A. 481

Nuova Zelanda

Veniva intagliata nel legno con scalpelloe martello di legno. La scultura veniva poi dipinta con ocra rossa cotta mescolata con olio di squalo. Venivano poi aggiunti intarsi di conchiglia di "paua". Le sculture generalmente erano di due tipi: antropomorfe, con la caratteristica di avere la testa sproporzionatamente grandee una bocca accentuata con lingua sporgente in segno di sfida e per allontanare il male, che rappresentavano figure mitiche e antenati; oppure rappresentazioni dell'uomo-uccello.

Decorativa/simbolica Decorava un elemento architettonico (architrave, stipite, trave del tetto, palizzata). Costruzione di edifici

Wooden sculpture of a human figure (tiki).The rectangular frieze is carved with spiral motifs and a relief anthropomorphic figure, which is in an upright position entirely covered with ornamental carvings depicting tattoos. A disc of mother-of-pearl is inserted on the top of the head and two other discs are inserted in the orbital cavities. A tongue protrudes from the large mouth. Tridactyl hands resting on the belly. Decorative spiral motif, derived from the volutes of fern leaves, symbolising the coming of light and knowledge to earth. It was carved in wood with a chisel (of basalt or jade) and a wooden hammer. The carving was then painted with baked red ochre mixed with shark oil. Inlays of “paua” (abalone) shell were then added. The carvings generally were of two types: anthropomorphic (tiki), with the characteristic of having a disproportionately large head (since it was considered to be the seat of the “tapu,” the sacred) and an accentuated mouth with a protruding tongue as a sign of defiance and to ward off evil, they represented mythical figures and ancestors; or representations of the bird-man (manaia). The object, which has slightly different characteristics than traditional sculptures, was probably commissioned to adorn a dwelling of white people; in fact, anthropomorphic figures traditionally have their lower limbs slightly bent and spread apart, whereas this one has them together.