War and Hunting Spirit Figure

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Culture Alamblak

Culture Yimam

Title War and Hunting Spirit Figure (Kamanggabi, Yipwon)

Date Second quarter of the 20th century

Medium Wood

Dimensions Object: 82 1/2 × 7 15/16 × 3 5/8 in. (209.6 × 20.2 × 9.2 cm)
Overall (includes mount): 82 1/2 × 7 15/16 × 3 5/8 in. (209.6 × 20.2 × 9.2 cm)

Credit Line Eskenazi Museum of Art, Indiana University

Accession Number 75.31

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About this Work

Large hook figures such as this were kept in men's houses, where they were considered representations of spirits and were consulted to ensure success in warfare, hunting, and agriculture. The figure's head and leg are readily identifiable. Between them, opposing hooks surround horizontal elements that may refer to the heart, navel, and phallus.

Provenance
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Provenance research is ongoing for this and many other items in the Eskenazi Museum of Art permanent collection. For more information about the provenance of this artwork, please contact the department curator with specific questions.

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"War and Hunting Spirit Figure | Collections Online." Collections Online. Sidney and Lois Eskenazi Museum of Art, Indiana University, 2025. https://artmuseum.indiana.edu/collections-online/browse/object.php?number=75.31