An Abelam painted carved wood mask
20th century; Abelam Peoples, East Sepik Province, Papua New Guinea
Appears unmarked
Created for the celebration of the yam harvest, the carved wood mask is decorated with earth pigments in geometric motifs and represents the spirit of a revered ancestor
26" H x 10.5" W x 3.75" D
Provenance: The Estate of Oscar and Barbara Leidenfrost

Other Notes: Proceeds to benefit non-profit organizations and educational institutions.

Overall good condition with scattered scuffs, scratches, nicks, shrinkage cracks, and indentations commensurate with age. Som pigment loss throughout the decoration. Wire added to the verso for hanging. Condition reports are offered as a courtesy and are typically published in Moran's catalogue or can be made available upon request. The absence of a condition report does not imply that an item is free from defects or restoration, nor does a reference to particular defects imply the absence of others. Buyers are responsible for determining to their own satisfaction the true nature and condition of any lot prior to bidding. Though buyers are not legally required to inspect lots prior to purchase, failure to do so may constitute a waiver of complaint that an item was not delivered in a condition equal to the existent condition at the auction.