samban Wood height 17 3/4in (45cm) Provenance Franco Monti Collection, Milan (Inventory label "1277" on back and illustrated in 1964 DOMUS magazine photograph of Monti's home) Arte y Ritual, Madrid Victor Teicher, Tomkins Collection, New York Probably the most conspicuous common feature (of Sepik River Art) is the expression of spirit content in its forms. Although there is always an obvious basis in reality, the shapes are often combined in a weird or fantastic way to create arresting and dynamic effects. All of these Sepik forms have an outstanding originality of composition and expressive vigor. Paul Wingert 1962 (Wardwell, Allen, The Art of the Sepik River, The Art Institute of Chicago, 1971, p. 54) This intimate, finely carved suspension hook was clearly carved without the use of metal tools as indicated by the carving of the classic swirling, curvilinear incised designs from the Sepik River area, as well as the overall texture of the surface. The teardrop form head with openwork suspension hole to the back and an exaggerated nose which extends all the way down to the lower hook element which takes on an animalistic form; exquisite dark brown patina with encrustations in the crevices.