No. 99906935

Sentani hook figure chief’s family ondoafi 1956 - west papua (No reserve price)
No. 99906935

Sentani hook figure chief’s family ondoafi 1956 - west papua (No reserve price)
We paLake Sentani Ancestor Hook, 1960s
Beautifully carved – Two ancestor spirit figures
From a chief’s family – Classic Sentani tradition
A beautiful, well-carved ceremonial hook from Lake Sentani, Papua, dating to the 1960s. This impressive piece features two stacked ancestor spirit figures, a motif strongly associated with lineage protection, prestige, and the authority of the clan leaders (ondoafi).
Carved with elegant Sentani fluidity, the hook shows:
• Two finely rendered ancestor figures with elongated torsos and stylised facial features
• Graceful curves and openwork elements — typical of classic Sentani carving
• A powerful central form designed to hold offerings, baskets, or ceremonial items
• A deep, warm patina consistent with mid-20th-century ritual objects
• Balanced proportions and an honest, uncleaned surface
Objects of this type were traditionally kept in chiefs’ houses near Lake Sentani and were connected to ancestral presence, protection, and family prestige. Authentic 1950s–60s examples from established families are increasingly rare on the market.
Origin: Chief’s family, Lake Sentani
Period: 1960s
Material: Hardwood
Condition: Excellent for age; expected signs of use, no modern repairs unless noted
Provenance: (add details if available)
A striking and elegant piece of Lake Sentani art, embodying the spiritual and artistic heritage of the region — highly collectible and museum-worthy.
We pack with care, sending all over the world for 35 years already
A must have for collectors, ethnographers, ethnologists, anthropologists and museums
Sold by Koos Knol, ethnographer and anthropologist, dealer of Papua Tribal Art for more than 30 years, expert and author of the book “Papua Blues”, written in Dutch. (Maybe in English next year.) Published end of October 2024
A book about inside stories, a book that deals with the many encounters with special people in West Papua, the impressive experiences that the author has, about special encounters with men and women who tell him about secret things, about ethnographic objects and initiate him into the rituals and ceremonies.
A must have for collectors, ethnographers, ethnologists, anthropologists and museums
Google: Papua Blues Koos Knol
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