Sepik hook with terracotta face - Papuan tribal art

Description

Intriguing Sepik hook with terracotta face from Papua, an expressive object that immediately attracts the attention of serious collectors.

Origin & meaning
This hook comes from the Sepik region of Papua and served both practical and spiritual purposes. Within men's houses, hooks were used to hang nets containing food and utensils to keep them protected from pests. At the same time, these objects embodied ancestral spirits that watched over the community. The terracotta face and shell inlay reinforce the spiritual dimension and make this piece a special example of Oceania's tribal art.

Dimensions & condition
Height (including plinth): 56 cm - Width: 15 cm.
Condition: signs of age with damage to foot (see photos). The patina is deep and consistent, with clear traces of prolonged ritual handling.

ProvenanceFrench collection; Frederic Catiron (< 2023) | auction house de Zwaan, Amsterdam (2023).