Suspension Hook (Tsambun)
Artist/Maker
Iatmul people
(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 viewCollections