Hair Ornament (Manyan)
Among the Biwat on the Yuat River, a tributary of the lower Sepik River in Papua New Guinea, hair ornaments (manyan) are one of the many accoutrements worn my adult men during ceremonies. The pointed end would have been tucked into the hair, but similar ornaments were attached to arm bands, belts, and flutes. This manyan is painted in a striking combination of white and red and is further embellished with two fiber chains at the top and bottom. Near the center of the carving, a face emerges where a bright shell forms the eye. A small hole underneath forms a nose pierced with shell or bone ornaments. An animal-like figure sits perched at the top, with four legs planted underneath a thin body. The long tail and head bend downward to mirror the concentric, curving forms that dominate the rest of the structure. These hook-like shapes are strikingly similar to carvings (1978.412.854 & 1978.412.732) produced by the Yimam on the nearby Korewori River (sometimes spelled Karawari). Communities across the Sepik are linked by extensive trade networks, and visual forms such as this demonstrate the dynamic movement, exchange, and innovation of artistic styles in the region.
Artwork Details
- Title: Hair Ornament (Manyan)
- Date: late 19th–early 20th century
- Geography: Papua New Guinea, Yuat River region
- Culture: Biwat people
- Medium: Wood, paint, shell, fiber
- Dimensions: H. 15 7/8 in. × W. 3 in. × D. 1 3/4 in. (40.3 × 7.6 × 4.4 cm)
- Classification: Wood-Sculpture
- Credit Line: The Michael C. Rockefeller Memorial Collection, Bequest of Nelson A. Rockefeller, 1979
- Object Number: 1979.206.1458
- Curatorial Department: The Michael C. Rockefeller Wing
More Artwork
A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Kerewa people
19th–early 20th century
Elema people
Early 20th century
Kambot people
19th century
Morobe province
Date unknown
Southern New Ireland
late 19th century
Related Content
Publications
Books, guides, and catalogues published by The Met.
Research Resources
The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.
To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.
Feedback
We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.