The Ambum Stone Overview

Questions and Answers

What is the title of the object?

The David

The Mona Lisa

The Great Wall

The Ambum Stone (correct)

What is the date attributed to The Ambum Stone?

1500 BCE

What period does The Ambum Stone belong to?

Global prehistory

What is the original location of The Ambum Stone?

Ambum Valley, Enga Province, Papua New Guinea Signup and view all the answers

Where is The Ambum Stone located now?

Australia National Gallery, Canberra Signup and view all the answers

Who was the patron of The Ambum Stone?

N/A Signup and view all the answers

What materials were used to create The Ambum Stone?

Greywacke, carved Signup and view all the answers

What is the size of The Ambum Stone?

20 x 7.5 x 14 cm Signup and view all the answers

Describe the characteristics or features of The Ambum Stone.

Old, highly detailed, pleasing smooth shape, slight shiny patina, took a long time, valued, freestanding neck, elegantly curved neck, long nose, stylized eyes, ears, & nostrils. Depicted in low-relief. Signup and view all the answers

What is the form of The Ambum Stone?

Small, moveable, 3D, carved Signup and view all the answers

What is the context surrounding The Ambum Stone?

Masterfully crafted stone carving, oldest, special and valuable, ritual object, accredited to religious beliefs. Difficult shape to carve. Signup and view all the answers

What was the function of The Ambum Stone?

Religious purpose, small, buried in a group's ancestral sacrifices; ward off danger & promote fertility Signup and view all the answers

What style does The Ambum Stone represent?

Prehistoric Sculpture Signup and view all the answers

What is the meaning of The Ambum Stone?

Small ritual object masterfully crafted & sculpted, valuable & detailed; burial object Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The Ambum Stone Overview

Title: The Ambum Stone
Date: Created around 1500 BCE
Period: Dates back to global prehistory

Location

Original Location: Found in Ambum Valley, Enga Province, Papua New Guinea
Current Location: Located at the Australia National Gallery, Canberra

Materials and Size

Composed of greywacke, a type of sandstone, and intricately carved
Dimensions: Small in size, measuring 20 x 7.5 x 14 cm

Physical Characteristics

Features a pleasing smooth shape with slight shiny patina due to age
Includes elements such as a freestanding neck, elegantly curved neck, long nose, and stylized facial features (eyes, ears, nostrils)
Depicted in low-relief, emphasizing its artistic design

Craftsmanship and Context

Recognized as a masterfully crafted stone carving, notable for being the oldest of its kind
Valued for its intricate details and difficult shape, making it a significant work of prehistoric art
Served as a special and valuable ritual object, tied to religious beliefs

Function and Meaning

Functioned as a small ritual object, often buried in ancestral sacrifices
Intended to ward off danger and promote fertility within the community
Represents a blend of artistic skill and cultural significance, marking it as a valuable burial object

Description

Explore the fascinating details of the Ambum Stone, a remarkable artifact from around 1500 BCE found in Papua New Guinea. This intricately carved stone, made of greywacke, showcases exceptional craftsmanship and serves as a significant work of prehistoric art. Discover its physical characteristics, materials, and historical context.