FIGURE YIPWON
Yimam, Korewori river, Papua N. G., mid 20th century
wood, 245 cms in height
Provenance: German collection
Lit.: Korewori: Magic Art from the Rain Forest, Ch. Kaufmann (2004)
Powerfull artefact carved for a newly established Catholic mission station at Amboin village in 1960.
Hook figures (yipwon) of the Yimam people of the Korewori River region in northeast New Guinea formerly played a central role in hunting and warfare. Representing powerful spirits, the images served as vessels into which the spirits were called before a hunt or raid and presented with offerings.
Price: sold