Oceania, Papua New Guinea, probably Gulf Province, Tovei Village, ca. early to mid 20th century CE. A dramatic, large mask woven from plant fiber and with an attached dried grass skirt attached at its shoulders. A long, thicker fiber skirt is attached below the wooden ring that serves as the base of the figure, so that when worn, this mask would have covered nearly the full body of its wearer. The head is loosely anthropomorphic, also woven of fiber, with a stuffed textile nose. The curved lines that mirror face paint are familiar from smaller Papuan masks. The mouth is large and open, allowing the wearer to see out of the costume as they danced. Masks like this one were made for elaborate ceremonies, often commemorating important agricultural activities in the local community. Size: 24" L x 41.25" W x 57" H (61 cm x 104.8 cm x 144.8 cm)
Frank Hurley, a famous Australian photographer best known for his work photographing Shackleton's expeditions to Antarctica, also spent time from 1920-1923 photographing the indigenous people of New Guinea. One of his photographs shows two people wearing masks similar to this one: https://www.britishmuseum.org/research/collection_online/collection_object_details.aspx?objectId=3138317&partId=1&searchText=papua+new+guinea+mask&images=true&page=1
Provenance: private Tucson, Arizona, USA collection, acquired between 1950 and 1985
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
#147696
Condition
Excellent condition for its age, with arms and body tightly affixed. Light fading to pigments as shown. Grass skirt is affixed with two pieces of modern string but otherwise the piece is entirely original and unaltered.