Fiji Basket Hook or ililili

A basket-hook or ililili. The central section of oval form (possibly a highly stylized “diamond” form) supports the lower knob sprouting the four dowel-like hooks. Hooks of this type were used by the Fijians to suspend either food baskets or ceremonial items from the rafters in order to preserve them from vermin. The suspension hole is pierced laterally at the top through a cylindrical lug with a double beveled top. This cylinder would have gone through and supported the large flat disc which was placed at the top of these hooks just under the attachment to the rafter in order to deter rats and other varmints from accessing the suspended goods. A hook of this caliber and stylistic representation can only have belonged to a man of importance.

Fiji Islands, Polynesia. Hard wood, vesi (Intsia bijuga), with a thick crusty patina. 30 cm. 18th/19th century.

 

Provenance Formerly in the collection of Lt. Gen. Augustus Pitt Rivers, 1899.

Illustrated in the inventory books, Volume 8, page 2126, as acquired from George Fabian Lawrence, auctioneer & dealer in 1899.

Described as : "Solomon Islands Scalp hanger [sic] Bought Lawrence. Mar. 1899" in yellow paint on the side of the central section.

Displayed at Farnham Museum, Room 9 case 114.