Southeast Asia, Indonesia, Borneo, East/Central Kalimantan, Mahakam River, Dayak peoples, Bahau group, ca. early 20th century CE. A wondrous example of a wooden festival mask constructed from several hand-carved wooden components. This style of mask is known as a hudoq ("hornbill bird"), though hudoq is also a style of mask representing one of thirteen different crop-destroying pests such as rats, lions, birds, and insects. The ovoid mask has petite eye holes beneath hemispherical, brass eye caps, a huge, pointed nose, a broad mouth bearing two rows of incised, black teeth, an elongated chin, and two articulated ear flaps tied to the visage via strands of vegetal fiber. The cream-ground vizard is accentuated with swirling abstract designs painted in black and crimson. This gorgeous example displays a fantastical sense of movement and character. Size: 12.5" W x 13.125" H (31.8 cm x 33.3 cm)
Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex-Dr. Gallagher collection, Sydney, Australia, acquired 1960 to 2000
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#161604
Condition
Collection labels on verso and proper left ear. Missing headdress, fangs, and ear horns. Repairs to chin with some restoration from new wood. Expected minor nicks and chips commensurate with age, as well as abraded area on verso. Otherwise, excellent with vibrant pigments and lovely earthen deposits.