Papua New Guinea Suspension 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
An intricately carved wood Suspension Hook used in ceremonial houses. Sepik River, PNG, The suspension hook is a carved female, with a large head, shell eyes, holding finely carved implement. Nicely designed hook with remains of pigment. Suspension hole at top of head. Dimension: 18" h x 6-1/2" W; weight: 13 oz. Provenance: Ex. private collection, Brooklyn, NY Latmul suspension hooks have both utilitarian and ceremonial functions. Suspended from the rafters by a cord, they are used to safeguard food, clothing, and other items, which are placed in baskets or string bags and hung from the hook-shaped prongs at the base to keep them out of reach of vermin. Most hooks are adorned with representations of ancestral spirits and totemic animals associated with the owner’s clan.
In the past, some suspension hooks, especially those representing waken, the most powerful Iatmul supernatural beings, served as sacred images through which the supernatural beings they depicted could be consulted. Before embarking on a raid or hunting expedition, men gathered within the ceremonial house to consult the waken through the hook bearing its image. Offerings of chickens, betel nut, or other items were hung from the hook and then consumed by a human “attendant,†who went into a trance during which the waken spoke through him, providing advice.
Primarily functional, household suspension hooks were also used to contact spirits about more minor matters. Re: Metropolitan Museum of Art
In the past, some suspension hooks, especially those representing waken, the most powerful Iatmul supernatural beings, served as sacred images through which the supernatural beings they depicted could be consulted. Before embarking on a raid or hunting expedition, men gathered within the ceremonial house to consult the waken through the hook bearing its image. Offerings of chickens, betel nut, or other items were hung from the hook and then consumed by a human “attendant,†who went into a trance during which the waken spoke through him, providing advice.
Primarily functional, household suspension hooks were also used to contact spirits about more minor matters. Re: Metropolitan Museum of Art
Condition
Intact with worm holes on reverse.
Buyer's Premium
- 25%
Papua New Guinea Suspension Hook
Estimate $250 - $350
11 bidders are watching this item.
Shipping & Pickup Options
Item located in New York, NY, usSee Policy for Shipping
Payment
Related Searches
TOP