Lot 392

Iatmul Suspension Hook Figure, Cowry Shell Eyes, PNG

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Lot 392
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Iatmul Suspension Hook Figure, Cowry Shell Eyes, PNG
Iatmul Suspension Hook Figure, Cowry Shell Eyes, PNG
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Iatmul Suspension Hook Figure, Cowry Shell Eyes, PNG

Estimate: $800 - $1,200

Starting Bid: $300

(0 Bids)
by Artemis Fine Arts
July 30, 2026 8:00 AM MDT
Live Auction
686 S. Taylor Avenue
Suite 108
Louisville, CO, US 80027

Iatmul, East Sepik Province, Papua New Guinea. Carved wood suspension hook of anthropomorphic form traditionally used to suspend valuable objects such as woven bags and ritual paraphernalia. These figures also served as ancestral representations and were believed to embody protective spirits, safeguarding the contents and the sacred space itself. Long convex face features inlaid cowry shell eyes set, while remnants of the coiffure is formed by nassa shells embedded in earthen clay, which also covers the nose and a prominent, beak-like projection that curves down toward the chest. Fragmented shell adornments accent the ears, and a boar’s tusk remains inserted into one side of the nose (the other now lost); fiber and shell tube is suspended at the waist, covering the carved phallus. The elongated body is engraved with reptilian motifs, across the chest, back, hips, and buttocks. Feet are carved in low relief along the front of the crescent-shaped hook. Dark brown patina. Custom base. 48.75" H (123.83 cm H).

Provenance: Collection of Chris J. Daras, NJ. Active 1980’s - 2000’s. To family by descent. Ex. Harmer Rooke Gallery, NYC., 1990’s.

SHIPPING: We coordinate worldwide shipping in-house through specialist international forwarders experienced with fine art and antiquities customs manifests. International buyers must confirm, prior to bidding, that their country's customs authority will accept the item. All duties, taxes, clearance fees, and any costs arising from customs delays, seizures, re-export, returns, or loss in transit are the buyer's sole responsibility. Artemis assumes no liability for items refused entry, detained, or lost after export. We cannot ship ancient items to their country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.).

PAYMENT EXCEPTION: For clients not previously established with Artemis, payment for all gold, precious metal, and gemstone lots must be made by bank wire transfer or certified bank check/money order, without exception.

Item # 72338

  • Condition: Weathered, with shell losses.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

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Buyer's Premium
$1 - $249,999:
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$250,000+:
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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $749 $25
$750 $1,499 $50
$1,500 $2,999 $100
$3,000 $7,499 $250
$7,500 $14,999 $500
$15,000 $29,999 $1,000
$30,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 + $10,000