**Originally Listed At $600**
Oceania, Papua New Guinea, Middle Sepik River region, Iatmul peoples, ca. early 20th century CE. A tall hand-carved wood food hook in the shape of 2 ancestor figures stacked on top of one another, each exhibiting large, ovoid heads with cowrie shell eyes, a straight nose, and full lips held closed. Both shown nude, the larger figure sits with legs apart atop the head of the smaller, whose head and torso are featured just above the crescent-shaped hook. The top figure is female and displays a lengthy body, a bulging belly, petite breasts, and attenuated limbs as she holds a petite object atop her head to serve as a finial to the hook. She wears twin rattan fibre armbands on each arm. Incised striations adorn both of their bodies as well as the hook. Liberal remains of white and red pigments decorate the stylized visage of the lower figure. Size: 9.75" W x 35" H (24.8 cm x 88.9 cm)
This piece would hang from the ceiling for suspending baskets that contained food or valuables to protect them from rodents or other pests. Often these hooks are decorated with ancestor spirits, like this figure, or clan symbols that with whom the household could commune.
Provenance: private Englewood, Colorado USA collection; ex-M. Komor Gallery, New York City, New York USA circa 1965
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we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.
Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.
#166150
Condition
Stable fissure to top figure's proper left arm. Expected nicks and abrasions throughout, commensurate with age and use. Otherwise, intact and excellent with nice patina and liberal remains of pigment.