Description:

Papua New Guinea, Middle Sepik River, early-mid 20th century CE. A hand-carved wooden hook, carved to show a human face at the top with small creamy white cowry shell inset eyes, a large, pointed nose with flared nostrils, and a wide smile bunching up the cheeks into stylized carved laugh lines. The suspension food hook, like this one, are common in Pacific Islander society, acted both as a guard against the ubiquitous rat and a decorative element in the household. Size: 8.4" W x 16.5" H (21.3 cm x 41.9 cm)

Provenance: Ex-private Haig collection, Minnesota

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#116922

  • Condition: Dark patina on wood, with clear signs of age.

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October 10, 2016 7:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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