Vanuatu Fern Roof Spire-Malekula-Melanesian Art-Oceanic Art
Of all the Malekula fern figures and roof spires there was really only one I always admired. I came across it time to time as I leafed through old auction catalogs. It was in a black and white photo from a Parke Bernet sale in New York on 11 October 1968, lot 144. Last month fate brought this very piece into my hands. I love its early style with a deeply grooved and highly stylized face. There is a long lizard clinging to the back of the head. These are called “ponarat” and “were mounted to project forward from the central ridge pole of the nasara, or men’s house. As each man entered or left the men’s house, he was scrutinized by the downward gaze of the watching ponarat ancestor, who would inflict supernatural punishment on individuals who were unauthorized to enter.” The piece dates to the early 20th century or before, stands 43” (109.2 cm) in height and the price is available upon request. Questions?