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Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
Suspension Hook (Tsambun)
Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
© Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami. All rights reserved.

Suspension Hook (Tsambun)

Artist/Maker (Middle Sepik River region, Papua New Guinea)
Dateprobably 1st half of the 20th century
Mediumwood and paint
DimensionsOverall: 43 x 15 1/4 x 2 in. (109.2 x 38.7 x 5.1 cm)
ClassificationsVisual Works
Credit LineGift of The Rubin - Ladd Foundation
Terms
    Object number2005.43.24
    DescriptionThe Iatmul people of the middle reaches of the Sepik River are well known for the richly painted and carved ceremonial objects. A hook such as this may be used to suspend personal possessions or human skulls of ancestors or ceremonial kills. The images on this hook probably refer to clan totems. The hornbills are classified by the Iatmul as male symbols and are associated with the sky. The outspread wings of the diving bird at the bottom recall the crescent shape of the moon, which is female. The human face at the top is of indeterminate gender.
    On View
    Not on view
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Artist Unknown
    late 19th to early 20th century
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Artist Unknown
    late 19th to early 20th century
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
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    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Artist Unknown
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    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Berenice Abbott
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    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
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    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
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    Wosera people
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    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
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