Short Essay
July 11, 2011 A Maprik Standing Male Figure The Maprik Standing Male Figure dates back to the 20th century, he stands 51 inches tall and 8 inches wide, and is made of wood. The figure is painted two colors, a reddish color and white; the parts not painted you see the wood. The figure has a diamond shaped head is painted with a white zigzag, Christmas tree looking symbol on the forehead. The face of the male figure is painted white around its eyes an don its cheeks. The figure has almond shaped eyes is smiling. Continuing down to its body, there are holes in the wood where the figures shoulders are and surrounding the circles and to the end of its arms is painted white. This is equal on both sides of the body. The center of the figure is painted white, and narrows down to thin stick like legs inside the figures full body. In the center of the stomach of the male figure is a v-shaped tribal sign. The entire figure is painted red except where it is painted white, and the bottom of its legs and the flat area between his legs. The figure is proportionate in size, and seems to be pictured nude with only paint on him. I believe the figure was used for a specific tribe. I believe it is used in a ritual tribe giving strength to a person and initiating them into the tribe. I think this because of the mark on their stomach seems to be one of like a scar and I believe it’s for strength also because of the holes where the shoulders are. I consider that these holes are there because they are lacking strength and part of themselves and this ritual initiates them and brings them strength and allows them to find themselves. I think though that this actual ritual was only for men the way the man is painted and standing.