Mid 20th Century Garra Hook Sculpture on Display Stand Mid-Sepik River Papua New Guinea

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A Garra hook by Bahinemo People of Hustein Mountains from Mid-Sepik River region in Papua New Guinea. The highly sculptural … Read more A Garra hook by Bahinemo People of Hustein Mountains from Mid-Sepik River region in Papua New Guinea. The highly sculptural mask is one of the most iconic and mysterious designs from PNG that often stirs the viewer's imagination. This hood figure was likely dated from the first half of 20th century circa 1940-50s.
Bahinemo people from Hustein Mountains on the south end of the Mid Sepik River region created two types of hook mask called Garra. These masks are not meant to be worn. The first type, as this one belongs, features opposing hooks on a long thin curved backbone with sometimes a single discernible foot. It resembles the physical features of Yipwon found in Koriwori River region. In the center of the figure, sometimes there is a circular element suggestive of moon and sun, reflecting a cosmic composition. This figure, however, has a face in place with eyes inset with a cowrie shell. The figure was painted with earth pigment in alternate white and red ochre colors which has largely been preserved. There is a repair on the lowest hook upon close examination.
The hook figure is displayed on a black mental stand, which is included if the buyer wishes. It is rest on the stand rather being fixed to it.
The mask itself is 42" h x 8" w x 1" d. See less