Oceania, Papua New Guinea, probably Gulf Province, Tovei Village, ca. early to mid 20th century CE. Sizeable to say the least, an expressive dance mask woven from colorful plant fibers, the body presenting an attractive zigzag pattern of red, chocolate brown, and cream hues, with upraised arms extending from openings on the body, and a sago leaf skirt attached below the wooden ring that serves as the base of the figure. The head is anthropomorphic but definitely abstract, also made of woven fiber, with openwork eyes and mouth as well as an elaborate Cassowary feather adorned headdress that arches over the head from ear to ear but also extends down the midline of the face, with a large nose ornament. The decorative motifs painted on the visage resembling face paint are familiar from smaller Papuan masks. The upraised arms with extended fingers also contribute to the mask's animated form. Finally, a lovely grass skirt is suspended from the figure's arms, and a cassowary feather wreath is slipped over the right arm. Size: 45.5" W x 65" H (115.6 cm x 165.1 cm)

Masks like this one were made for elaborate ceremonies, often commemorating important agricultural activities in the local community. Frank Hurley, a famous Australian photographer best known for his work photographing Shackleton's expeditions to Antarctica, also spent time from 1920 to 1923 photographing the indigenous people of New Guinea. One of his photographs shows two people wearing masks similar to this one.

Provenance: private Tucson, Arizona, USA collection, acquired between 1950 and 1985

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#150836

Some loose/missing fibers, but otherwise the mask is in very good condition for its age, with arms and body tightly affixed. Light fading to pigments but the colors are still relatively strong. Some missing feathers from headdress and wreath, but most have survived.