Small Karawari River Yipwon Charm-New Guinea Art-Oceanic Art
The classic yipwon hook figures from New Guinea’s Karawari River range in size from small amulet versions meant to be carried in a man’s string bag for protection while away from his home village to massive sculptures ten feet tall found in ceremonial houses or propped up against the side of limestone caves. The present example is an especially fine small one with a large head, pierced nose and relatively meaty hooks. It comes from the Harry Franklin Collection, stands 8 ½” (21.6 cm) in height, dates to the early 20th century.