Papua New Guinea Middle Sepik Cult Hook Water Spirit Figure

Description

This is an Old Bahinemo Garra Cult Hook Figure from the people of the Hunstein Mountains, Middle Sepik, Papua New Guinea. These beautifully abstract painted one of a kind slender profile image is connected with water spirits, their curving hooks sometimes identified as catfish whiskers. The men’s ceremonial house, in which initiation and other rites took place, these sacred objects, collectively called gra or garra, were kept. The  Bahinemo hook images served as hunting helpers, with their supernatural powers assisting in the capture of game. They also played a role in male initiation ceremonies, in which they were carried by initiated men during dances.  They are part of the Sepik hook-shaped figure tradition that exists along the different regions of the Sepik River.  They are rare and elegant and would be marvelous addition to your home or collection.
Shows age, paint discoloration, Natural Wear
37 Inches Tall
8 Inches Wide
1 Inch Deep
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