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Skull Hook (Agiba)

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Skull Hook (Agiba)

Skull Hook (Agiba)

Male Figure with Overmodeled Skull

Male Figure with Overmodeled Skull

Male Figure with Overmodeled Skull

Male Figure with Overmodeled Skull

Overmodeled Skull

Overmodeled Skull

Overmodeled Skull

Overmodeled Skull

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Skull Hook (Agiba)

Date:
19th–early 20th century
Geography:
Papua New Guinea, Papuan Gulf, Pai'ia'a village, Omati River, Kikori Delta
Culture:
Kerewa people
Medium:
Wood, paint
Dimensions:
H. 55 7/8 x W. 29 1/2 x D. 5 in. (141.9 x 74.9 x 12.7 cm)
Classification:
Wood-Sculpture
Credit Line:
The Michael C. Rockefeller Memorial Collection, Gift of Nelson A. Rockefeller, 1969
Accession Number:
1978.412.796

This artwork is currently on display in Gallery 354

  • Description

    Large "agiba" or "skull hooks" were used to display trophy skulls within the men's ceremonial houses of the Kerewa people of the Papuan Gulf region, on the south coast of New Guinea. Agiba depict important ancestors, often the mythical founders of village clans. Each clan owned one or two agiba which were kept in the clan's allotted space within the ceremonial house. The skulls of slain enemies were hung from the agiba with loops of rattan. As time passed, a platform was often constructed in front of the agiba to support the weight of the growing pile of skulls. Together with its skulls, the agiba was both a shrine and a source of supernatural power. The displays of trophy skulls were also status symbols, which marked the clan's prowess in warfare and headhunting.

  • Provenance

    Roy James Hedlund, New Guinea, and L. R. Webb, Oakland, CA, until 1962; Nelson A. Rockefeller, New York, 1962, on loan to The Museum of Primitive Art, New York, 1962–1969; The Museum of Primitive Art, New York, 1969–1978

  • See also
    What
    Where
    In the Museum
    Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History
    MetPublications
50003817

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