Middle Sepik River Mudfish Suspension Hook-Anthony Forge-New Guinea Art-Oceanic Art
Here is an ancient Middle Sepik River suspension hook with a charming mudfish at the base. The piece was collected by the late British anthropologist Anthony Forge in the late 1950s/early 1960s with his red number 61 on the reverse. The hook shows extensive wear and age as evidenced by both the patina around the top suspension hole but more importantly at the juncture of the hooks where the string bags would have been slung. The piece dates to the early 20th century or before, is 16 ½” (42 cm) in height and sells for $2800.