Karawari Cult Hook – “Aripa”

A smaller, nicely carved Cult Hook from the Karawari River, known as a Kamanggabi or an Aripa figure.

The carved male figure, Aripa, is believed to carry the voices of the ancestral spirits to the owner who is seeking guidance and courage prior to going hunting or for tribal conflict with another village .

The day before either of the above activities, the Aripa, which would normally be stored high up in the rafters of the Men's House or up high in the roof of the owners house own house during his life time, would be brought down from the rafters without the presence of women and children, then be anointed with beetle juice, other offerings and potions. The owner would then communicate with his ancestors spirit's using the Aripa as an intermediary contact asking the ancestral spirits for  strength, aggression, guidance and success.

Figures from Karawari River region are often appear aged and eroded as they have been stored in burial caves after the owner's death alongside their body ready for the journey into the afterlife.

Length; 66cm / 26ins. Munduku, Karawari River.