Artwork Page for Hook Figure

Details / Information for Hook Figure

Hook Figure

c. 1920–1930

Melanesia, Papua New Guinea, central Sepik River region, Arambak People, 20th century

Medium
painted wood and cowrie shell
Measurements
Overall: 207 x 6.4 cm (81 1/2 x 2 1/2 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of Edgar A. Hahn 1963.553
Copyright
Copyright
This artwork is known to be under copyright.
Location
Not on view
Print

Description

To the Arambak People, this abstract human figure represents the spirit of war and hunting. Stored in the men's ceremonial houses, such sculptures could not be viewed by women or children. Before hunting or headhunting expeditions, such figures were rubbed with special substances to induce possession by the spirit. The hook arching above the stylized face represents a feather. In the middle of the body is the heart, framed by crescent-shaped ribs. Below is the figure's calf.

Hook Figure

c. 1920–1930

Melanesia, Papua New Guinea, central Sepik River region, Arambak People, 20th century

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