Cult hook figure "yipwon" · Papua New Guinea - Sepik (upper), Korewori, Alamblak · ID: 3042278
Huba worked as a missionary for the Steyler Mission in Papua New Guinea from 1960 to 1983. He received the objects as a gift from the indigenous people.
Description
wood, matt blackish brown patina, pigment remains, eyes with nassa snail inlay, with anthropomorphic face, body rendered as a series of hook-shapes, rising from one leg, slightly dam. (tips), abrasion of paint;
the Yimam/Alamblak are well known for the large “kamanggabi”, also called “yipwon” from one to over three meters high. The figures were kept in the mens house. They received meat and liver from successfully hunted animals to ensure the fertility of crops and success in hunting and warfare. The smaller “yipwon” are similar in form to the larger “kamanggabi” and can have a size of only 15 centimeters. They are carried about by the men in netted string bags as personal hunting charms. Both large and small figures have personal names.
The object Cult hook figure “yipwon” with the object ID 3042278 was part of the auction 86th Tribal Art Auction on May 27, 2017. The object with the lot number 117 achieved a sales price of EUR 12,000 with an asking price of EUR 3,000.
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Comparing literature
Craig, Barry (ed.), Living spirits with fixed abodes, Honolulu 2010, p. 140 f.