Detail View: The AMICA Library: Female Gable Figure (Dilukai)
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AMICA ID:
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MMA_.1978.412.1558a-d
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AMICA Library Year:
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2000
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Object Type:
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Sculpture
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Creator Nationality:
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Asian; Pacific; Micronesian
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Creator Name-CRT:
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Belauan people
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Title:
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Female Gable Figure (Dilukai)
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View:
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Full View
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Creation Date:
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19th-early 20th century
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Creation Start Date:
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1800
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Creation End Date:
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1933
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Materials and Techniques:
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Wood, paint, kaolin
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Dimensions:
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H. 25 2/3 in. (65.2 cm)
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AMICA Contributor:
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The Metropolitan Museum of Art
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Owner Location:
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New York, New York, USA
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ID Number:
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1978.412.1558a-d
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Credit Line:
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The Michael C. Rockefeller Memorial Collection, Gift of Nelson A. Rockefeller and Purchase, Nelson A. Rockefeller Gift, 1970
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Rights:
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Context:
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The Belau archipelago comprises one large and numerous smaller islands north of New Guinea. In Belauan society, men are grouped according to age and status. Until the mid-twentieth century, each group had a separate men's house in which they spent most of their time. Men's houses were impressive structures with high pitched roofs and large triangular gables, decorated with carvings and paintings. The interior beams and gable planks were adorned with incised and painted images depicting scenes from local legends. Female figures such as this one were often placed above the entrance to the men's house. The figures depict a legendary woman named Dilukai whose excessive promiscuity caused her angry father to tie her in an exposed position to warn village women to be more chaste. Ironically, men's houses were frequently home to prostitutes sent from other villages to earn wealth for their families. |
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Related Image Identifier Link:
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MMA_.ao1978.412.1558a-d.R.tif
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