Papua New Guinea

Stunning Fine Guardian Spirit Hook Figure, Sawos People, Papua New Guinea, PNG

Stunning Fine Guardian Spirit Hook Figure, Sawos People, Papua New Guinea, PNG
Stunning Fine Guardian Spirit Hook Figure, Sawos People, Papua New Guinea, PNG
Stunning Fine Guardian Spirit Hook Figure, Sawos People, Papua New Guinea, PNG
Stunning Fine Guardian Spirit Hook Figure, Sawos People, Papua New Guinea, PNG
Stunning Fine Guardian Spirit Hook Figure, Sawos People, Papua New Guinea, PNG
Stunning Fine Guardian Spirit Hook Figure, Sawos People, Papua New Guinea, PNG
Stunning Fine Guardian Spirit Hook Figure, Sawos People, Papua New Guinea, PNG
Stunning Fine Guardian Spirit Hook Figure, Sawos People, Papua New Guinea, PNG
Stunning Fine Guardian Spirit Hook Figure, Sawos People, Papua New Guinea, PNG
Stunning Fine Guardian Spirit Hook Figure, Sawos People, Papua New Guinea, PNG

Stunning Fine Guardian Spirit Hook Figure, Sawos People, Papua New Guinea, PNG

To see more fine oceanic artefacts. Field collected, this is a fabulous old Ceremonial Guardian Spirit Hook from the Sawos People of the Sepik Region carved from soft wood with cowrie shells for eyes and grass skirt. Hooks has both utilitarian and ceremonial functions, and are suspended from the rafters by a cord, and they are used to safeguard food, clothing, and other items, which are placed in baskets or string bags. These bags are hung from the hook-shaped prongs at the base to keep them out of reach of vermin.

Most hooks are adorned with representations of ancestral spirits and totemic animals associated with the owners clan. In the past, some suspension hooks, especially those representing waken(a sacred ritual), the most powerful supernatural beings, served as sacred images through which the supernatural beings they depicted could be consulted. Before embarking on a raid or hunting expedition, men gathered within the ceremonial house to consult the waken through the hook bearing its image. Offerings of chickens, betel nut, or other items were hung from the hook and then consumed by a human attendant, who went into a trance during which the waken spoke through him, providing advice. Household suspension hooks were also used to contact spirits about more minor matters.

This is a wonderful suspension hook and would be a wonderful addition to your collection. Pre post weight 0.750 kg. This is not always possible given the sizes and unique packing requirements for each unique piece. Can also insure package if required. STANDS ARE NOT INCLUDED WITH ANY ITEM.

Pictures make up part of the description. The item "Stunning Fine Guardian Spirit Hook Figure, Sawos People, Papua New Guinea, PNG" is in sale since Saturday, November 16, 2019. This item is in the category "Antiques\Ethnographic\Pacific Islands & Oceania".

The seller is "bubble_artefacts" and is located in Wurtulla, QLD. This item can be shipped worldwide.

  • Material: Wood
  • Original/Reproduction: Original
  • Provenance: Sawos Village
  • Product Type: Carvings
  • Originating Region: Papua New Guinea
  • Era: 1980s


Stunning Fine Guardian Spirit Hook Figure, Sawos People, Papua New Guinea, PNG