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Ancestor Figure

MOA: University of British Columbia

3308/3

Glazed ceramic ancestor figure. Figure has a conical body with two holes where arms should be. Each arm hole has stamped triangles encircling it. The figure's head is shield-like and convex and attached at the tapered point of the body. The face is decorated with stamped facial features and a built up long rectangular nose. Tied to the head is a headdress made of woven white and red fishing net, with a single white and brown feather extending from the top. The figure wears a skirt with a fringe, knotted at the waistband. The skirt alternates between natural yellow-brown fibres, red fibres, and white net fibres. Around the waist and neck are two ceramic ornaments strung on twisted fibres. Within the body hang three light yellow glass skulls that are visible through the armholes. The artist's initials are carved into the figure's neck, and behind both the chest and waist ornaments - 'JKT'.

  • Type of Item figure
  • Culture Torres Strait Islander
  • Material clay, glaze, plant fibre, synthetic fibre, feather, glass
  • Measurements height 44.0 cm, width 15.0 cm, depth 35.0 cm (overall)
  • Creator Jimmy K. Thaiday
  • Field Collector Carol E. Mayer
  • Previous Owner Erub Arts Collaborative
  • Received from Erub Arts Collaborative, Museum of Anthropology Acquisitions Budget
  • Collection Date during 2018
  • Ownership Date before June 21, 2018
  • Acquisition Date on June 21, 2018
  • Item Classes ceramics
  • Condition good
  • Accession Number 3308/0003

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