Title
Cult hook
Year/Period
Mid 20th century
Region
Karawari river, Papua New Guinea
Material
Technique
Dimension
Object size: 156 x 24 x 6 cm
Accession No.
W-0475
Collection of
Credit Line
Gift of Mr. A.C. Galstawn
The hook at the top represents a bird's beak, while the other rib-like structures represent the ribs of a spirit. Sometimes the hook is called 'Kamanggabi' after this spirit. Cult hooks represent spirits and are generally mounted on walls or suspended from roof beams in 'haus tambarans' (meeting huts) or spirit houses. They are adorned with items of cultural or spiritual significance. They are used for important consultations and influence over success in war, hunting as well as farming.
