A Bahinemo Cult hook, East Sepik Province, Papua New Guinea. Of typical form, the hook made of characteristically very heavy wood (as authentic examples are supposed to be) of deeply concave form with four concentric opposing hooks around a raised area with stalk-like eyes. A knop at the top for suspension, and pigmented in red, yellow, black and white. Probably Mid-century.Hook images such as the present example and known as Garra, were utilized in initiatory contexts and then kept for hunting and originally war success. Early examples are very rare and as traditional Bahinemo culture waned, the ceremonies and taboos regarding the making and use of traditional images was relaxed such that many more examples were created in the early 1960’s, traditionally at first, and then for sale. Rudi Ceaser, the field collector of this example collected extensively in this region and brought out many Garras that were later placed in a host of Museum and private collections.Acquired by Marc Seidler from Rudi Ceaser - field collected C. 1970’s. Measures 35 inches tall x 7 inches wide.

Good, weathered