The Bahinemo call all sacred objects "garra," although each is also given a
personal name. Sacred objects include musical instruments, basketry and wood
masks, and wooden hooks, and are said to have been created by a man, Wimogu,
and a woman, Igoshua. This couple is said to live in an inlet called Maifa at
the head of the April River, from which emanate the sounds of the musical instruments
they constantly play (Newton 1971:18) There are many forms of
"garra" hooks,
probably reflecting local styles. This hook figure has a flat panel showing
small hooks protruding from one side, and having central elements which represent
"nose" and "eyes." In some sense, this form can be seen as intermediate between
the hook and mask "garra." (Newton 1971: 19) Interpretations of the iconography
of these objects vary. The hooks are sometimes said to represent rows of hornbill
beaks surrounding the central element which represents the sun and moon, or alternatively,
the eyes of cassowaries and pigs. A second interpretation suggests that the
whole carving represents a catfish. (Newton 1971:19). In general, they seem
to represent bush and water spirits (Schmid 1985: 179). Hook figures belong
to individual men and are kept in the cult house. Their aid is sought before
hunting or raids and they play an important role in the initiation of young
men. Those who have not seen the hook figures are unable to play the slit gongs
or flutes essential to rituals (Schmid 1985: 179). See Newton, Douglas. 1971.
Crocodile and Cassowary: Religious Art of the Upper Sepik River, New Guinea.
New York: The Museum of Primitive Art. Schmid, Christin Kocher. 1985 "Catalogue"
in Suzanne Greub, ed. Authority and Ornament: Art of the Sepik River. Basel:
Tribal Art Centre, p. 177-210.
Published: Hurst Gallery. 1992. Art and Artifacts of Melanesia. Cambridge: Hurst
Gallery. (cat. No. 46) |
