Hornbill carving
Production date
Pre 1967
Country
Papua New Guinea
State/Province
East Sepik
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Object detail
Description
Wooden carving of a hornbill, decorated in brown, yelllow, white and red ochre. Ochred sun painted on side of bird's body.
Classification
INDIGENOUS CULTURES Melanesian & South Sea Islander sculpture
Production date
Pre 1967
Production place
Measurements
L 850 x W 270 x D 53 mm
History and use
This object is a carved hornbill sculpture from the Abelam region in Papua New Guinea, that would have been hung from the façade of a ceremonial men’s house, with the head of the bird facing down. In Abelam culture, the head and beak of a hornbill were represented in wooden carvings that held a religious significance.
The hornbill is a totemic animal of the Abelam people, and holds spiritual significance through its use in art and mythology. The feathers of a hornbill are also used to adorn traditional garments and body adornments.
This object was part of a larger donation made to the Museum of Tropical Queensland in 2012, on behalf of the estate of Len and Catherine Lawler.
The hornbill is a totemic animal of the Abelam people, and holds spiritual significance through its use in art and mythology. The feathers of a hornbill are also used to adorn traditional garments and body adornments.
This object was part of a larger donation made to the Museum of Tropical Queensland in 2012, on behalf of the estate of Len and Catherine Lawler.
Associated person
Registration number
E40861
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