SIEGE D ORATEUR Papua New Guinea, Middle Sepik, Iatmul. Carved wood and skull. The sculpture is surmounted by an over-modeled skull covered with an ochre patina, cowrie shells and remnants of paint on the forehead. The head is topped by a headdress made of feathers and hair. A pectoral adorns the upper body and drawings are incised into the patina on the chest. The legs are slightly bent, arms at her sides, closed fists resting on her hips. On his back, a bird-headed sculpture surmounts a mask decorated with cowries. Height: 115 cm Antique label: " " " Provenance: private collection, Brussels. Iatmul speaker's chairs (Tawa Teget) are masterpieces of Iatmul craftsmanship, combining functionality with profound symbolism. These seats, often reserved for chiefs or important orators, are made from local woods such as mangrove wood or ironwood. The carving technique is complex, requiring great mastery on the part of the craftsman. The motifs carved on these seats are not only decorative, but also carry cultural significance: they often represent ancestral spirits, myths or totem animals, incorporating elements of Iatmul cosmology. The structure of these seats is designed to symbolize power and authority. They often have a low seat, allowing the speaker to sit at a slightly higher level than the audience on the ground, thus reinforcing his or her status. The backs of the seats can be decorated with spiral patterns or human or animal figures, each with its own history and meaning. These seats are not only used for ceremonies, but also serve as objects for the transmission of Iatmul legends and traditions, with each carved element telling a part of the tribe's story. Preserving these seats is crucial to maintaining the Iatmul cultural heritage, while offering a glimpse into their rich artistic tradition.