Suspension Hook Item Number: Ie379 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Basket hook with a humanoid head at the top surmounted by a carved loop. The head is mounted on a shaft that is diamond-shaped in cross-section and bulges slightly at the centre. The hook is double-sided.
History Of Use
Many hooks apparently are images of food spirits, as well as being utilitarian furnishings. By extension, they may also be spirits of fertility. Hooks used to suspend ceremonial goods in the spirit houses are always male and are thought to contain ancestor spirits which protect the contents and the owners.
Narrative
Probably Korogo, from the Middle Sepik.
Iconographic Meaning
A male with his tongue sticking out is a sign of virility.
Item History
- Made in Papua New Guinea
- Owned by Alan F. Pierce before March 21, 1980
- Received from Alan F. Pierce (Seller) and Museum of Anthropology Donations Fund (Funding source) on March 21, 1980
What
Who
- Culture
- New Guinea
- Previous Owner
- Alan F. Pierce
- Received from
- Alan F. Pierce (Seller) and Museum of Anthropology Donations Fund (Funding source)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Papua New Guinea
When
- Ownership Date
- before March 21, 1980
- Acquisition Date
- on March 21, 1980
Other
- Condition
- fair
- Accession Number
- 0619/0024