Papua New Guinea, Sepik River District, Yambun Valley, ca. 1st half 20th century. An elaborately carved wooden hook sometimes described by anthropologists as a cult hook, a food hook, or a suspension hook. Indigenous artisans carved and decorated such hooks in order to accommodate benevolent spirits and preserve food. By suspending food from a hook, vermin are discouraged. Furthermore, the spirit inhabiting the hook was believed to prevent spoilage. This example is carved with a visage comprised of spiraled forms representing eyes and hair (or perhaps additional eyes residing within the coiffure), a long, abstract fissure down the center of the face nobly denoting a nose, as well as an expressive smile. Measures 25”L (63.5 cm).

Provenance: Ex-B. Pickard collection, Oklahoma City, OK; Ex-Bruce Lawes collection, Retired Australian Patrol Officer for Middle Sepik Area, Papua New Guinea.

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#102641

Intact with normal aged surface. Nice patina.