Figure

Browse the collection

Origin Wapo Creek

Title Figure (Bioma)

Date Late 19th–mid 20th century

Medium Wood and pigment

Dimensions Object: 26 3/4 × 10 7/8 × 3/4 in. (67.9 × 27.6 × 1.9 cm)
Overall: 26 3/4 x 10 7/8 x 3/4 in. (67.9 x 27.6 x 1.9 cm)

Credit Line Eskenazi Museum of Art, Indiana University

Accession Number 63.69

Share this artwork!

About this Work

Used in men’s ceremonial houses of the Papuan Gulf, bioma were placed along with crocodile and pig skulls on a lower level below the spirit boards and skulls of both enemies and venerated ancestors. Within a men’s ceremonial house each clan would have their own area, and therefore their own spirit boards, and bioma.

Provenance
More Details

Provenance research is ongoing for this and many other items in the Eskenazi Museum of Art permanent collection. For more information about the provenance of this artwork, please contact the department curator with specific questions.

Viewing Information
This artwork is currently on view.

Request this Image
The Eskenazi Museum of Art provides images of its collection, free of charge, upon request. This artwork is under copyright protection. You can request the image and it will be emailed to you when the request is complete.

Cite this Page
"Figure | Collections Online." Collections Online. Sidney and Lois Eskenazi Museum of Art, Indiana University, 2025. https://artmuseum.indiana.edu/collections-online/browse/object.php?number=63.69