Oceania, Papua New Guinea, Marind / Marind-Anim people, ca. early to mid-20th century CE. A fascinating pair of wooden hands covered with red abrus seeds and white job's tears. The seeds are affixed to the surface with resin, and the wood verso is unadorned and slightly curved for wearing over the arm, twisted sennit cords attached to tie the panels in place, like gauntlets. These were part of a dance costume used during dema rituals. Rituals were carried out with dramatic costumes and drums, reenacting cosmological stories about "demas," primeval beings (plants, animals, people). Dema costumes had attributes to identify the beings, and demas would also act as totems for different clans - some of which included coconut, stork, wallaby, sago, and betel nut, and crocodile. Size of each (both are relatively similar): 6" L x 0.5" W x 16" H (15.2 cm x 1.3 cm x 40.6 cm); 18.5" H (47 cm) on included custom stand.

Reenacting stories of creation encouraged fertility among the men and women of the tribe. The Marind culture and population was drastically affected by Dutch colonization, and many traditions were considered taboo and outlawed, such as headhunting and ritualistic intercourse.

Provenance: private Hawaii collection, acquired 2000 to 2010

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#177501

Some losses to seeds and flaking off when handled. Overall good condition with minor use and age commensurate wear. Please note the abrus seeds are highly toxic if consumed, we recommend displaying in a case.