Authentic Iatmul Suspension Hook Figure, Middle Sepik River, Papua New Guinea Early 20th C. w/ COA & Provenance Oceania (stand included)

Authentic "gorgeous form" Iatmul Suspension Hook Figure from Middle Sepik River in Papua New Guinea. This Early 20th C. w/ COA & Provenance ( ex-private lifetime collection of Dr. Saul Tuttman and Dr. Gregory Siskind, New York, NY). This hook figure bears a finely carved bearded male head on the central section of the curved hook. A handle and snake atop behind. Painted and with shell inlaid eyes. Suspended from the rafters by a cord, suspension hooks are used to safeguard food, clothing, and other items, which are placed in baskets or string bags and hung from the hook-shaped prongs at the base to keep them out of reach of vermin. Most hooks represented ancestral spirits and totemic animals. Primarily functional, household suspension hooks were also used to contact spirits Size: 11 5/8" H (27.94 cm ); 15.25" H (38.73 cm) on included custom stand. Statue in overall very good antique condition with light Abrasions and varied old patina, losses to tips and with old label behind great Patina some Staple cracks on chin and body. Earthen encrustations to beads. Age commensurate weathering to the wood. Free domestic shipping. Provenance: Comes Certificate of Authenticity- Further-Purchased from Palmyra Heritage Gallery New York, NY -prior ex-private lifetime collection of Dr. Saul Tuttman and Dr. Gregory Siskind, New York, New York, USA Released from private collection that has sold in New York City galleries as well as top auction-Guaranteed Authentic All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back. Returns & exchanges Refunds and Exchanges We accept returns within 30 days of the purchase of the item. However, the buyer is responsible for shipping the item back to us and that cost will not be refunded. We will refund your money for the item as soon as we receive the item back. Please send the item back to us with tracking or insured.