Ancestral Suspension Hook

Sawos, middle Sepik River region, Papua New Guinea. 19th century

Provenance: Fred and Kathleen Taylor, San Francisco

Suspension hooks were commonly used in the Sepik River region of Papua New Guinea. Used to hang bags, baskets, and other containers, these hooks helped to keep food and other important articles safe and out of reach. This hook is figuratively carved. The body is linear, with a robust chest and slightly bent legs which meet at the base. The face is long and flat, with raised brows, nose, and mouth. On the back of the head, there is visible wear on the suspension loop and there is a small old loss to both sides of the hook at the base of the figure, both due to years of extensive use. This hook was carved with non-metal tools.