Ritual crocodile

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Description

wood, reddish brown patina, red and white pigment, elongated cylindrical body with the tail tapering to a point, carved with scales, the open snout reveals rows of teeth accentuated with kaolin, completed by tusk-like projections, legs missing, slightly dam., minor missing part (underside), abrasion;
in the Sepik area depictions of animals are not only meant as accessory part but as individual beings - incarnations of “totems” - which act as guardian and helping spirit and which are venerated in case to keep them well disposed. Aside crocodiles incarnate the so-called “gulping monster”, used at initiation rites.

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Comparing literature

Aumann, Georg, Kunst und Kunsthandwerk aus Neu Guinea, Coburg 1986, p. 113 f.

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