Suspension hook

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Description

wood, dark brown patina, red pigment, unusual form: cylindrical base with three thorn-like vertical appendages for suspension of various items, a long neck carved with two mask faces and a small ancestor spirit figure in the middle, massive upper part with hole for attachment, slightly dam., cracks, on base;
in the most areas of Melanesia suspension hooks belong to “household articles”. They are fixed to the ceiling by lianas and can be pulled up and down. They serve to hang up baskets and nets with food or important utensils in order to protect them against mice and rats.

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Comparing literature

Kelm, Heinz, Kunst vom Sepik, Band I, Berlin 1966, ill. 25 Aumann, Georg, Kunst und Kunsthandwerk aus Neu Guinea, Coburg 1986, p. 90 f.

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