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Suspension hook, C-14 dating: 18th–19th century (inconclusive % probability)
Wood, pigment, sago leaf fiber, marsupial skin, rattan repair to right ankle
50.2 x 16.5 x 8.3 cm (19 3/4 x 6 1/2 x 3 1/4 in.)
The Marcia and John Friede Collection, a Promised Gift to the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco L05.1.233

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Artist Biography: (none) PROVENANCE: Jolika Collection of New Guinea Art PUBLICATIONS: 2005 - "This hook, with its long-nosed mwai image, incorporates the power of the visible manifestation of a clan spirit of the wagan (wagen) cult, the principal religious organization of the central Iatmul people. The term wagan is primarily used for 'certain clan ancestral spirits who 'possess' shamans and speak through their mouths' (Bateson, 1936: 286). The ceremonial suspension hook, representing the spirit, plays an essential role in this process: '...gifts [chicken, betel nut] are hung upon the hook and are then eaten by the attendent [shaman in Bateson's terminology]. Only then can the wagan spirit truly enter into this man and through him communicate with the people.' (Kocher Schmid in Greub, 1985: 191)." (Catalog #156, New Guinea Art: Masterpieces from the Jolika Collection of Marcia and John Friede, 2005, Volume 2, p. 107.)

Related Keywords
hook Suspension Francisco San Museums Arts Fine Gift Promised Friede John Marcia Art Jolika people Iatmul Oceania Province Sepik East Guinea New Object Ritual ankle right repair rattan skin marsupial fiber leaf sago pigment Wood 0709200406050223 A361148 L05.1.233 AOA