Monumental grade-statue from the north of Ambrym (classic style). The features reflect the aesthetics of the ideal Ambrym male: broad nose, big nostrils with sometimes perforated septum, a long chin and high forehead. These grade-statues were made and are still being made for a grade-taking ceremony, at which an individual can rise in the social order by entering into a certain secret society. The statues represent an ancestor who already achieved this specific grade. The Ambrym style was much appreciated by early colonists and collectors, now found in several museum collections. Ceremonially used grade-figures are considered sacred by Vanuatu people and will therefore be impossible to collect. This grade-figure, however, was obtained (with all relevant papers and permits) before the ceremony took place, in the 1990s. Height grade statue 245 cm CITES App II, Annex B in the EU - for sale only within the EU. Only to be collected.