This carving by Joseph Kandimbu of the “Man from Tari” captured me in a way that I can’t truly explain. Standing alone in the middle of the path, this amazing work of art made me stop in silence and just stare.
The tale of this figure is that he is a guardian, a security man of the tribe. I felt that through the carving this was portrayed vividly as I felt compelled to wait for his permission to pass by, and continue my journey through the exhibit.
The detail is spectacular in regards that Kandimbu carved this strictly from memory after spending three days in Tari. A figure so prominent in the artist’s mind has allowed us to have a glimpse into the experience had by the carver. The eyes, represented by shells, give the illusion of following you, and watching you, with no other movement of the body.
This, for me, was one of the most memorable pieces of the Papua New Guinea exhibit.