Early 20th C. Papua New Guinea Decorated Food Hook
Similar Sale History
View More Items in Tribal & Native American ArtifactsRelated Tribal & Native American Artifacts
More Items in Tribal & Native American Artifacts
View MoreRecommended Art
View MoreItem Details
Description
Papua New Guinea, Middle Sepik River, early 20th century CE. A hand-carved wooden "food hook" in the form of an abstract mask-like visage with bold features, with a petite stylized figure, who intriguingly seems to have suffered the ill effects of injury or disease as his left eye is disfigured and he is holding his left leg in his left hand, attached below. All is painted in a rich polychrome palette of red with cream on a black ground, and perched atop a two-pronged hook with design motifs that call to mind the ceremonial items of the yam festivals for which this area is known. Elaborate hooks like this one were used to preserve food; both by hanging them and by calling upon the spirit the indigenous believe is within them to slow spoilage. Size: 24.5" H (62.2 cm)
The entire figure is perched atop a two-pronged hook with an eye-like design in the center that calls to mind the ceremonial items of the yam festivals that this area is known for.
Provenance: private Healy collection, Studio City, California, USA, acquired over the last twenty years
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.
We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
#132300
The entire figure is perched atop a two-pronged hook with an eye-like design in the center that calls to mind the ceremonial items of the yam festivals that this area is known for.
Provenance: private Healy collection, Studio City, California, USA, acquired over the last twenty years
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.
We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
#132300
Condition
Some surface wear as shown. Raffia threaded through perforated ears and knob-like protrusion on top of head shows some loss. Wired for suspension on back of head.
Buyer's Premium
- 24.5%
Early 20th C. Papua New Guinea Decorated Food Hook
Estimate $250 - $350
6 bidders are watching this item.
Shipping & Pickup Options
Item located in Louisville, CO, usSee Policy for Shipping
Payment
Related Searches
TOP