Description:

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. 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. #102641

  • Condition: Intact with normal aged surface. Nice patina.

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March 19, 2015 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000