Washkuk Hills, Upper Sepik River, PNG.

Both collected in 1960s in the Upper Sepik from the Kwoma and Nukuma people, the inland group of the Washkuk Hills people. Both are fine older objects from the elaborate fertility ceremonies of the Washkuk Hills people.

a) Ritual pottery form (Nukuma), with pierced eyes and mouth and a large (typical Washkuk, phallic in form) nose. The pot’s form is conical, with holes around the base for mounting on a post or platform. It in the Mindja ceremony in conjunction with other important wooden figures. (See number 6 in this catalogue). Red predominates, with some outlines in white.

b) Ritual Flute (Kwoma), a very rare object used as a musical instrument producing the “voice of the spirits” during the Mindja ceremonies. The pottery flute has a wonderful fluid Minja face with large, curved nose at the front, and a pig-like face at the back. Overall, and especially around the top blowing hole, it is elaborately decorated with raised and engraved geometric designs. Painted in typical red and white. A few of the serrations towards the back are chipped (and over-painted) but otherwise this pottery piece is in perfect condition.

a) 24 x 17 x 15 cm
b) 13 x 30 x 9 cm