Ramu River Canoe Mast Stanchion with Human Figure Peg

Papua New Guinea, Ramu River, canoe Mast Stanchion an old and used rigging stanchion from a small Ramu River outrigger canoe, main arm 38 cm, peg with human figure 25 cm, overall dimensions 58 cm x 31 cm, catalogue note: These Y-shaped stanchions were lashed to the mast at head height so that the fork with the human figure stuck out at an angle. The sail was tied off across the vee. These stanchions always have a human figure carved as the protruding peg and no doubt that this is an ancestor to spirit figure with a protective function. This example has the peg carved as a fine male Ramu figure wearing the typical elongated basketry head dress of the region. There are signs of use and wear in the vee, caused by friction from the rope.