Art as Reality:
With ceremonial art, the item is no longer a symbol or representation of the spirit, but an actual manifestation. This understanding of the power of art and spirits reflects what could be argued as an existential understanding. While symbolism would be accepted in Western society, such as the body and blood of Christ with crackers and wine, the actual existence of spirits in these forms would not be taken seriously.
Art In Papua New Guinea
The significance of art in the native cultures is apparent in examination of these Tok Pisin words.
tumbana (ancestor, spirit)
samting tumbana (spirit something, art)
Sculpture carved from wood are common, as well as masks. Traditionally art is meant to be a direct rendering of images, messages and commands sent by spirits to the artist through dreams. While all art is supposedly inspired by spirits, only certain pieces have ceremonial significance, made through varying ritual like procedures.
In the Sepik region of PNG, this is reflected in the language of Iatmul. Aspects of a ceremonial sculpture share the same words as concepts typically associated with living beings.
“Sacred objects do not represent totemic spirits; they are spirits. An ornamented art object is a “body” (mbange) animated by the totem's “soul” (kaiek). The wooden carving is akin to “bones” (awa); decoration is skin (tsiimbe). Totemic entities (tsaginda) signify the mystical power and fertility of a specific descent group.” (Exploring World Art)
Life being given to objects in a way that in other social contexts be considered to have at the most metaphoric or symbolic life is truly interesting. Also that this belief is not faith based, being reenforced and manifested in dreams. The belief in spirits and the power of an artist to create an object from the subconscious and spiritual forces, becoming a work of great power, significance and actuality. A form inspired by the human dream/psyche/emotional experience and spirit is not seen to any notable degree or depth in the work of civilized societies until the 1900's with the surrealism and abstract expressionism movements.
This traditional belief I find to be quite beautiful in that the creation of the artist is not truly of the artist. The artist in a role that is almost that of a shaman, channeling energy from dimensions beyond into a tangible earthly object of extraordinary properties. This reflects a view of themselves, in a sense, of being played- as an instrument by nature and forces beyond in harmony with the animals, plants and other humans. They have free will, but are still are still at the hands and will of spirits.