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A Suspension Hook, Papua New Guinea This intricately carved wooden suspension hook features a central anthropomorphic figure characterized by a pronounced hooked nose that curves downward to touch the chin, a stylistic hallmark of Sepik River carving traditions. The eyes are inset with cowrie shells, enhancing the figure's otherworldly gaze and signifying spiritual potency or ancestral presence. Flanking the upper portion of the hook are two stylized hornbills, their curved beaks and elongated forms integrated seamlessly into the overall design. Hornbills often symbolize communication between the physical and spiritual realms, possibly signifying protection or guidance. At the base of the hook is a carved representation of a frigate bird with outstretched wings, a motif associated with the open sea, freedom, or ancestral spirits in Melanesian belief systems. Suspension hooks such as this were traditionally hung from the rafters of men's houses or ceremonial buildings and used to suspend food, valuables, or ritual objects, keeping them safe from pests and uninitiated hands. They also served as protective symbols, invoking ancestral power and presence. L555 W225mm