Small suspension hook with anthropomorphic face ·  Papua New Guinea - Sepik · ID: 3041633

Description

wood, brown patina, remains of red and white pigment, anchor-shaped, flat end piece with drilled hole for suspension, slightly dam., minor missing parts, cracks, abrasion of paint, base;
suspension hooks were used in private and ritual houses likewise, they served for everday life and ceremonial purposes. They are carved with human, respectively animal figures corresponding to the clan-specific mythology of their owner. In private houses food and other valuables were kept in bags and baskets which were suspended from the rafters of the building by means of two- or three-pronged hooks. Hooks in the men’s ritual houses were used for suspension of sacrificial offerings (chicken and betel nut) which were needed for invoking the “wagen” spirits, who were responsible for the well-being of the entire village communtiy.