Iatmul samban anthropomorphic suspension hook - Lot 82

Iatmul samban anthropomorphic suspension hook Middle Sepik River, Papua New Guinea Wood, pigments H. 65 cm Provenance: Private collection, Netherlands - Private collection, Netherlands - Pierre Moos Collection, France - Gilles Brimaud Collection, Portugal - Native, January 24, 2015, African and Oceanic Art, lot 82 Sepik art is characterized by its colorful, dynamic representations of human and animal figures. Nature and ancestral spirits are central to the artistic expression and symbolic systems of this region. The sculptures and hooks were kept in the House of Men. These were used to hang offerings presented to the clan ancestor. This large anthropomorphic hook is a fine example, depicting a man standing with his hands on his hips.