Garra
Bahinemo creation Myth: Garra
The sacred objects of the Bahinemo people are collectively called Garra. Garra are tied to an ancient myth surrounding their creation by two figures, Wimogu and Igoshua. These two individuals are said to reside in a dangerous inlet called Maifa at the head of the April River, where the sounds of the musical instruments they continually play can still be heard. This place is seen as hazardous and is to be avoided. According to legend, Wimogu started the creation of sacred objects by crafting short bamboo flutes, which Igoshua found lacking because they resembled human voices. To satisfy her, Wimogu continued to make the flutes progressively longer until she was satisfied with their sound.
Together, Wimogu and Igoshua eventually gathered various sacred items—including weapons, ginger, croton leaves, and other goods—and tied them to a log. This log was then floated down the April River, drifting through the waterways and breaking up as it went. As it traveled, it spread the sacred objects across various regions, though the Bukath of the upper April River only received spears and hand-drums, while the Bahinemo received the full range of objects. Each object within this is considered sacred and is given a personal name.
Garra masks and Garra Hooks
The Bahinemo possess sacred carved wooden objects, which fall into two distinct styles: the “concentric-hook” style and the mask-like panels that feature rows of concentric hooks. This concentric-hook style is widespread across the region, appearing in artifacts from various neighboring cultures, including the Korewari River, the the upper Wogamush River and archaic Abelam sculptures. The concentric-hook style often includes hooks that represent hornbill beaks, and a central feature which may symbolize sun and moon imagery, or they may be interpreted as representing the eyes. These hooks, and the associated carvings, are believed to be linked to water spirits, as all of these sacred objects are traditionally kept in or near swamps and other watery places. These sacred items are also the domain of the younger men, who are responsible for creating them.
The mask-like garra are another important aspect of Bahinemo sacred objects. These masks are typically elliptical in shape, ranging from three to four feet long. They feature two protruding eyes and a crescent-shaped mouth with spiked teeth. The masks often have hooks carved in a vertical row down the center, with some variations depending on regional style. The iconography of these masks is connected to bush spirits and older men, with the hooks symbolizing hornbill heads, which only older men in Bahinemo society are allowed to eat. The masks are typically painted, with red, yellow, black, and white pigments used in bands across the surface, often following the contours of the central features.
Above: Examples of old highly collectable Garra Hooks and Garra Masks
Please note I have no image available of Woven masks
Naturalistic masks
In addition to the more traditional masks, the Bahinemo also create naturalistic masks, which are usually about two feet long. These masks have a distinct form, with a bulging brow and a bisected cone-shaped nose. The design also includes a loop at the nose, possibly representing a pierced septum, as well as a flat panel rising above the brow. These masks show similarities to other masks from the broader region, including those from the Karawari River and the Inyai figures.
Basketry masks
Basketry masks, or panarawa, are another unique feature of Bahinemo sacred objects. These masks consist of two panels of concentric elliptical bands sewn together at the edges, leaving one end open for the wearer to slip the mask over their head. The masks are made in pairs, with the larger one being male and the smaller one female. When wearing the panarawa, the performers paint their bodies black with white circles, symbolizing the shell markings of tortoises. These masks are used to impersonate water spirits, specifically tortoises, and are associated with beliefs in the Yigei and Gahom regions.
Musical Instruments
A significant type of musical instrument along with garamut drums within the Bahinemo culture are the bamboo flutes. These instruments are stored on racks under the ceiling of the ceremonial house. The larger bamboo flutes are about ten feet long and have a diameter of about four inches. They are blown from one end and are considered female objects, played by seated men in groups. The smaller transverse flutes, around three feet long, are played in pairs by standing men who walk around each other. These flutes are considered male objects, with one flute being longer than the other. The flutes are often adorned with elaborate basketry ornaments at their ends. Unlike the slit gongs, these flutes are owned individually by members of the community.
Revival of Masks
In the 1960’s there was a resurgence of making Garra Masks. These masks were sold in Port Moresby and were produced in thei hundreds. Although these later masks have high aestetic value they have little collectable value.
Garra Hooks and Garra Masks Localities
Most of the masks and hooks of the Bahenimo people have little field collection data. Fortunately the exception were Garra collected by Wayne Heathcoate and recorded by Douglas Newton.
Village of collection: a) Mediya, b) Nigiru? c) April River, d)Nigiru, e)unknown, f) Unknown, g) Namu h) Gahom, I) Saniyo? j) April River k) April River l | m) Gahom? m) Gahom? n) Gahom? o) Gahom p) unknown q)Namu r) unknown s) unknown t) Gahom u) namu v | w)Namu
Information and images above sourced from Cassowary and crocodile by Douglas newton
Recommended reading
All images in this article are for educational purposes only.
This site may contain copyrighted material the use of which was not specified by the copyright owner.