Ancestor figure: Inspired by the style of the Sawos people of New Guinea

The Sawos people of New Guinea made large ancestor figures of particularly important warriors who would guard over their villages. The family of the departed would commission the carving which was inhabited by the soul of the deceased warrior. If the villagers treated the carving with respect, the warrior’s spirit would guard over the village. Ancestor figures who were mistreated could wreak havoc. The carvings were usually kept in the "Spirit House" where the men conducted their rites and kept their relics.


There are accounts of these figures coming back to life and going into battle to protect the village. One such figure was of a powerful ancestor named Minjemtimi. The people of his clan claim that during an attack by another village, Minjemtimi came to life and entered the battle. His arm was cut off during the fray and he turned back into wood. Holes were drilled into the carving to reattach his arm to his body with cord.

As a wood carver interested in both primitive art and ancient cultures, I thought I should have an ancestor figure to protect my dwelling. Mine is a six foot tall heavyweight. If you are going to make your own guardian, you might as well make him a strapping badass.