OLD BASKET HOOK, Murik Lakes, PNG

Chris Boylan Oceanic Art

          CEREMONIAL BASKET HOOK, Murik Lakes, Mouth of Sepik       River, PNG

Early 20^th Century. The hook has many layers of paint; the most recent is a pale green; various shades of green enamel paint are often found used around the time of the Second World War (probably camoflague paint). Below this are other layers of paint, a red and a blue, that show its use probably over several generations. It is carved from hardwood, one reason it has survived so well over all these years.

The main male figure is typical of the Murik Lake villages, with strong visaage, a body with arms and legs almost straight, as if standing to attention, and fine detailed engraving.. A hole goes through the figure from the top and comes out between the figure’s legs. A hanging rope or cane was knotted through, strapping the hook from the rafters of the Spirit House. This hook would no doubt hold offerings to both the spirits and Big Men of the Spirit House – offerings of betel nut or food.

Below is an elegant figure of a possum or cuscus, most probably a clan totem and ancestral being.

$4,800.00

Artwork details