Middle Sepik Iatmul Male Suspension Hook w/ display stand, New Guinea

Description

Detailed New Guinea Middle Sepik Iatmul Male Suspension Hook w/ display stand
Origin: New Guinea, Middle Sepik River, Iatmul people
Period/Date: 1960s
Materials: wood, conus shells, charcoal and natural earth pigments
Description: This detailed food suspension hook is presented on a custom metal display base.  The expressive male ancestor figure has large inset conus shell eyes with pierced septum and outstretched tongue.  The body has wide shoulders with detailed carved chest.  The hands are carved away from the body and his feet curl over the arch of the curved hook base which is a hallmark of the quality.   The back of the head has a whimsical relief-carved mudfish with a space under its tail that would have served as its hanging lug.  The back shoulders and butt has incised carving that resembles reptile skin or scales.  In good condition retaining most of its original red, yellow and lime pigments.
Dimensions:  Height 32”, width 11″