Chief’s Suspension Hook

Lake Sentani or Humboldt Bay, West Papua
19th c.

Provenance: W.E.C. Veen, (1890-1940), collected during the time he was the Assistant Resident and Head of Local Government of Watampone-Bone, Celebes, Indonesia

Exclusive to chiefs, these special hooks, often adorned with human figures, were crafted with meticulous detail, transcending mere functionality to embody the spiritual and social values of their creators. At the heart of these hooks lies a reflection of the inherent duality in human relationships and the equilibrium between genders. Janus figures, present on either side, depict male and female pairs, with one figure of each pair positioned upside down, symbolizing fertility and metaphorically representing the tree of life—rooted in heaven. Chiefs utilized these hooks to suspend their ceremonial bags during significant events such as war councils or celebratory feasts, as well as to display special gifts from guests and offerings from young men’s first hunts or inaugural harvests, transforming earthly goods into celestial symbols infused with a supernatural essence.

The prominent piercing at the hook’s apex, flanked by male and female figures, served as the suspension point. Additionally, the hook’s surface, embellished with stylized fish motifs, pays homage to the cultural reverence for marine life and its role in sustaining communities in the region. Its encrusted surface accrued over years, from storage in dwellings with active fireplaces, adds layers of depth to its narrative, serving as a poignant testament to the passage of time and the enduring legacy of tradition.