Description:

Papua New Guinea, Sepik River District, Yambun Valley, ca. 1st half 20th century. A hand-carved, janus-headed, wooden hook - sometimes described by anthropologists as a cult hook, a food hook, or a suspension hook. Indigenous artisans carved and decorated such hooks in order to accommodate benevolent spirits and preserve food. By suspending food from a hook, vermin were discouraged. Furthermore, the spirit inhabiting the hook was believed to prevent spoilage. This example is carved with a janus-head at the top on both sides, the back-to-back visages in profile with cowrie shell eyes and a shared decorative head wrap. The mid-section is concave with an incised, decorative rim, and the hook presents an abstract zoomorphic visage with teardrop-shaped eyes surrounded by an elaborate decorative pattern. Custom stand. Size: 5.125" W x 22.875" H (13 cm x 58.1 cm)

Provenance: private Pearson collection, Denver, Colorado USA

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#122113

  • Condition: Expected surface wear. Nice rich patina and remains of red pigment.

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May 18, 2017 7:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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