Louis Ledoux: Papua New Guinea Collection

Hook Figure, Sepik River

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Start price: $1,500

Estimated price: $3,000 - $5,000

Buyer's premium: 28%

Sales Tax: On buyer's premium only

Hook figure, sometimes also known as ‘Samban", carved with both male and female elements, with red and black pigment. Typical geometric design at back of neck, mask-like face, standing on pedestal with three suspension hooks.

Hook figures like this were suspended from the rafters of houses and used to hang valuables and/or bags of foodstuffs etc. to keep away from vermin. They were carefully carved and often bear the shape or form of ancestors and spirits.

Similar hook figure held at Ethnologisches Museum der Staatlichen Museen zu Berlin, Nr. VI32470, attributed to Herman Schoede (1877-1945) and collector prior to 1911 from Karau, lower Sepik.

Locale: Murik Lakes, Lower Sepik River
Country: Papua New Guinea
Date: 1936 or earlier
Material: Wood, pigment
Dimensions: H 22" x W 7"
Technique: Carved

Provenance: Louis Pierre Ledoux Collection

Similar items:
Ethnologisches Museum der Staatlichen Museen zu Berlin, Nr. VI32470
http://www.smb-digital.de/eMuseumPlus?service=ExternalInterface&module=c ollection&objectId=737145&viewType=detailV iew

De Zwaan Amsterdam 2018
https://www.artkhade.com/object/llHx2GfC