20th C. Papua New Guinea Iatmul Wood Figural Food Hook - Nov 29, 2021 | Artemis Gallery In Co
LiveAuctioneers Logo

lots of lots

20th C. Papua New Guinea Iatmul Wood Figural Food Hook

Related Tribal & Native American Artifacts

More Items in Papua New Guinean Tribal & Native American Artifacts

View More

Recommended Art

View More
item-117664759=1
item-117664759=2
20th C. Papua New Guinea Iatmul Wood Figural Food Hook
20th C. Papua New Guinea Iatmul Wood Figural Food Hook
Item Details
Description
**Originally Listed At $600**

Oceania, Papua New Guinea, Middle Sepik River region, Iatmul peoples, ca. early 20th century CE. A tall hand-carved wood food hook in the shape of 2 ancestor figures stacked on top of one another, each exhibiting large, ovoid heads with cowrie shell eyes, a straight nose, and full lips held closed. Both shown nude, the larger figure sits with legs apart atop the head of the smaller, whose head and torso are featured just above the crescent-shaped hook. The top figure is female and displays a lengthy body, a bulging belly, petite breasts, and attenuated limbs as she holds a petite object atop her head to serve as a finial to the hook. She wears twin rattan fibre armbands on each arm. Incised striations adorn both of their bodies as well as the hook. Liberal remains of white and red pigments decorate the stylized visage of the lower figure. Size: 9.75" W x 35" H (24.8 cm x 88.9 cm)

This piece would hang from the ceiling for suspending baskets that contained food or valuables to protect them from rodents or other pests. Often these hooks are decorated with ancestor spirits, like this figure, or clan symbols that with whom the household could commune.

Provenance: private Englewood, Colorado USA collection; ex-M. Komor Gallery, New York City, New York USA circa 1965

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.

Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#166150
Condition
Stable fissure to top figure's proper left arm. Expected nicks and abrasions throughout, commensurate with age and use. Otherwise, intact and excellent with nice patina and liberal remains of pigment.
Buyer's Premium
  • 26.5%

20th C. Papua New Guinea Iatmul Wood Figural Food Hook

Estimate $900 - $1,350
See Sold Price
Starting Price $450
Get approved to bid.

Shipping & Pickup Options
Item located in Louisville, CO, us
Offers In-House Shipping
Local Pickup Available

Payment

Artemis Gallery

Artemis Gallery

badge TOP RATED
Louisville, CO, United States7,928 Followers
TOP