Anthropomorphic hook - Lot 42

Anthropomorphic hook Sawos population, Middle-Sepik, Papua New Guinea, Wood, shells and pigments H. 111 cm Functional objects, these hooks were suspended from the roof beams of houses. They were used to protect woven bags containing food or valuables from animals. "The swing of the hook on the roof beam expresses the continuity of life, like a metronome marking time", say Christian Coiffier and Douglas Newton (Sculptures: Afrique, Asie, Océanie, Amériques, Réunion des musées nationaux, Paris, 2001, p. 294). This large, double-anchor-shaped hook is adorned at the top with a sensitive, expressive ancestor's head. Beautiful polychromy and patina. Condition report: A crack on the lower part of the hook (broken / reattached). Chipped hook tips. Some pigment loss, staining and discoloration / fading, consistent with age and use.