Field collected in the 1970’s.
The hook-mask like figure (Garra, or Gra) is common along the Bahinemo peoples of the Hunstein Mountains, eastern Sepik province, Papua New Guinea.
These mask-like objects were the focus of male initiation rites or hunting and were linked to senior men, elders of the clan and forest spirits. The association with hornbills derives from the fact that the birds’ nest in locations where bush spirits are known to dwell.