Karawari Yipwon

Upper Karawari River, late 19th century, 42" in height, collected by Barry Hoare in early 1960s, ex. MacTaggart collection, private collection.

The yipwon figures of the Upper Karawari are some of the most elegant and complex pieces of New Guinea art. This pre-contact piece has two sets of gracefully tapering opposed hooks that converge at the heart of the figure. The powerful head with brooding over-hanging brow is surmounted by another hook that mirrors the line of the head. The curve of the back spine works with the curve of the large hooks to create a circular dynamism that only a few of the very best yipwon figures achieve. Too often the size and sweep of the hooks does not correspond well with the height of the figure leading to an intriguing but stiff composition. The volumes of the head are also important to give the piece the substance and power of a three-dimensional sculpture. The taper of the hooks in this piece convey the menace of an insect's pinchers when viewed from the front. One cannot underestimate the inspiring power of menace.