Old Yena-Hook Double Sided Spirit Figure from The Kwoma People, New Guinea -163B

Description: Old Yena-Hook Double Sided Spirit Figure from The Kwoma People, New Guinea-Lot 163BUp for sale is this unique Old Yena-Hook Double Sided Spirit Figure from the Kwoma people of Northeastern New Guinea. One side: is along elongated head with small circular eyes below strongly protruding eyebrows, a long peaked nose, triangular mouth; below the face is a two side hook. The other side: two small faces inverted and the reverse of the hook a face-like small figure. Faded traces of lime, red ochre and charcoal. Carved from a dense and heavy hardwood. This carving was used in an annual cycle of ceremonies devoted to the cultivation of yams. “The Kwoma, Nukuma, and Yessan-Mayo are closely related peoples living in the hills north of the middle Sepik River in northern New Guinea. These groups share a unique art tradition associated with a religious cult centered on the cultivation of yams. A sequence of three rituals, called "yena," "minja," and "nokwi," each involving a different type of figure, is performed in honor of the yam harvest. Carved double wooden heads such as this one are created for yena, the first of these harvest rituals. With bulging eyes and pendulous noses, yena heads represent ancient and powerful spirits. During the ritual, village men assemble a pile of yams within the ceremonial house. The sticklike bases of the yena are inserted into the yam pile and the heads are decorated with brightly colored leaves, feathers, and other ornaments. The men then dance and sing to honor the yena spirits. At the conclusion of the ritual, the display is dismantled, the heads stored away, and preparations for the next ritual begun.” Provenance: A private collection. Collected it during an expedition made in the early 1970s into the interior of New Guinea along the middle Sepik River Region this art was selected prior to New Guinean regulations limiting the export of art. This is NOT a tourist souvenir.Condition: This piece is one-of-a-kind. There are minor splits, the hook has a hole and the protruding eyebrows have some chips and small pinholes. Some natural wear and tear from its age, to be expected from any artifact but still exceptional. Sold as is. Please view detailed photos as part of the description for overall quality and imperfections. Remarks: This item would make a wonderful addition for the avid collector of Oceanic and New Guinea Art. Similar items can be found at the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art. Size:In inches: 33" L x 6-1/2” W x 5” D Weight: Approximately 4.8 Lbs. plus shipping CartonRemarks: This item would make a wonderful addition for the avid collector of Oceanic and New Guinea Art. IMPORTANT: This item is described to its provenance and authenticity and dates as much as we know, it's mentioned in the description, with no intent to deceive OR MISREPRESENT if we miss a detail that is unknown to us. We guarantee its authenticity. Minor scuffs, scratches, scrapes, marks, nicks, cracks, etc., which don't affect the functionality of the item are normal in any previously owned, antique, vintage item and are to be expected.Payment Terms: We accept all major credit cards and PayPal.Shipping and Handling: Shipping is available for the contiguous 48 U.S. states. If you live outside this range please contact us for shipping prices. International Shipping is also available where allowed by law. See Calculator when available. All buyers, specifically for International shipping, are responsible for any taxes, duty, and import fees.Please Note: All Sales are Final and Sold as Is, Where Is. Returns are not accepted.Thank You.THANKS FOR LOOKING!

Price: 500 USD

Location: Helendale, California

End Time: 2024-08-09T01:02:03.000Z

Shipping Cost: N/A USD