Marupai protective charm, Gulf of Papua, Papua New Guinea Dwarf coconut, traces of lime and fibers Length: 11 cm Protective charms or amulets, commonly known as marupai, are objects of great importance in the culture and spirituality of Papua New Guinea. Their form and function are closely linked to the belief in protection against negative forces and malevolent spirits, and the preservation of harmony and balance in daily life. Marupai are also objects of great artistic value, expressing complex conceptions of the spiritual world. This amulet, carved from a dwarf coconut, offers a representation of a human face or a pig's head, the tapered jaw suggesting a half-open snout. The expression of the face is rendered by the large eyes engraved in concentric circles, the rest of the face adorned with motifs, the whole of the engravings enhanced with lime contrasting with the brown patina of the object. These charms were worn under men's armpits or suspended from their necks by a fiber rope.