hook figure

Collection of Auckland Museum Tāmaki Paenga Hira, 9194

In the Pacific, figure sculptures may represent mythical heroes, ancestors, gods or personified forces of the natural and supernatural world. Some figures are designed to stand free, others are part of functional tools or architectural structures. They are not idols to be worshipped but act to concentrate aspects of the spirit world into a material representation which enables communication between humanity and the spirit world.

Papua New Guinean

Unknown

wood/plant material

cowrie shell/seashell/shell

human hair/hair/animal material

1515mm (precise)

Fish Hook

Line fishing

Fishing, Trapping & Hunting T&E

Tools & Equipment

12 Aug 2026