Rhombe kaiaimunu, Gulf of Papua Papua New Guinea Black... Lot 142

Rhombe kaiaimunu, Gulf of Papua Papua New Guinea Black palm wood, lime highlights Height: 47 cm Provenance: Lewis Wara Gallery, Seattle Lewis Wara Gallery, Seattle Private collection, Nevada Kaiaimunu rhombes are sacred objects used in the rituals and traditions of the indigenous peoples of certain regions of New Guinea, particularly in the Purari River delta. These objects are generally made from oblong slats of wood, with a rope attached to one end - as evidenced by the hole in the upper part, to make it spin rapidly on its axis in the air and produce a muffled sound. Standing out in high relief on the upper part of the board, a figure is depicted, its contours sketched out roughly by sinuous lines, nicely highlighted by the lighter patina of the wood. Kaiaimunu rhombes were considered instruments for communicating with spirits, powerful entities embodied in large wicker effigies representing monstrous animals. These effigies were kept in ceremonial houses and were used in various rituals and ceremonies, including male initiations and the funerals of important men. When played, rhombes emitted a deep, sinister sound, said to represent the voice of the spirits. They were used to invoke these supernatural forces during specific rituals and to communicate with the spiritual world. These objects were considered highly sacred and were reserved for a select group of initiated men, who were responsible for their manufacture, preservation and use in traditional ceremonies.