HOOKS

Cult hooks represent spirits and are generally mounted on walls or suspended from roof beams in haus tambarans (meeting huts) and spirit houses, and are adorned with items of cultural or spiritual significance.

Food hooks are used functionally for hanging up bilums (woven bags) of food to keep it safe from rats and mice.

Skull hooks or racks (see right) are used for hanging skulls of ancestors or enemies.

Cult hooks, food hooks and skull hooks/racks have evolved artistically over hundreds of years, with each village or district developing its own distinct style. The artistic development of hooks has sometimes overtaken their functionality to the point where some samples of this genre no longer have any notches to 'hook' things on.

Photographs shown below are examples of the range of hooks available. Some types of hooks have a consistent appearance and we can supply individual hooks that are almost identical to the photograph shown. Other types of hooks vary greatly in appearance. Photographs and prices of hooks currently available can be e-mailed on request.

Large cult hooks such as the one shown on the right are heavy but sturdy and can be shipped economically by surface mail. Smaller hooks will travel well by airmail. Estimates of packed weights can be supplied on request.

NB Some hooks are difficult to photograph because they are very dark, and photos below may not reflect true colours.

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Email: info@pnghandcrafts.8k.com 

LARGE HOOKS 50"-70" USD90 through USD250

SMALL HOOKS 30"-45" USD30 through USD150

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