Janus Suspension Hook

Iatmul, middle Sepik River region,
Papua New Guinea
19th-early 20th century

Provenance: Philip Goldman, UK. Loed van Bussel, Amsterdam

This striking piece is a Janus, or two-faced suspension hook.  Each side, representing ancestors

of the village. The hook is carved from extremely hard wood and bears a deep, black, crusty surface. There is subtle evidence of wear and a shiny black patina on the interior edge of the hook. This is due to the fact that netting was hung from the hook in order to suspend food and valuables. The overall form of the sculpture has a floating quality. This piece was carved with non- metal tools.