New Guinea Chambri Lakes Janus Face, Food Suspension Hook
New Guinea Chambri Lakes Janus Face Food Suspension Hook
Origin: New Guinea East Sepik Province, Chambri Lakes (Provenance: Found in an old NY State Collection).
Period/Date: Circa 1920-1930s
Materials: Hardwood, Charcoal, lime, red ocher pigment
Description: This antique suspension hook features classical style janus ancestor faces with deeply carved tongues! It would have been an important object for protecting food inside a dwelling. It was hung from the rafters by rattan attached to the bridge between the heads. From the curved riser hooks, net bags were attached containing bundles of food and fruit, keeping it safe and away from rodents. It shows significant age, having acquired a semi-encrusted and varied surface with layered applications of lime. There is remnant red pigment inside the long stylized "tongues". It retains over 70 percent of its original paint and comes with a metal display stand.
Dimensions: Height 18.25” (46.5 cm), width 9.25” (23.5 cm)