Cult hook figure "garra"

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Description

wood, red ochre, lime, base

According to Meyer, the term “garra” generally refers to sacred objects of the Bahinemo. He distinguishes two types of “garra”, masks and hook-shaped sculptures, like the present one.

According to Schuster & Schuster (1973), hook “garra” are closely associated with, perhaps even representations of, bush and water spirits. Their function is to heal sickness and to aid in hunting and warfare. Newton (1971) describes the use of hook “garra” in the context of the initiation of young boys.

All the “garra” of the Bahinemo are believed to have been originally created by “wimogu” and “igoshua”, a mythical couple who is said to still live on a small island at the mouth of the April River.

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Comparing literature

Meyer, Anthony J.P., Ozeanische Kunst, Vol. I, Köln 1995, p. 266 Schuster, M. & G. "Hakenfiguren der Bahinemo", in: Festschrift für Robert Wildhaber, ed. by W. Escher, et al., Basel 1973, p. 634 Craig, Barry (ed.), Living spirits with fixed abodes, Honolulu 2010, p. 153 f.

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