Papua New Guinea, East Sepik Madang Province, ca. early to mid 20th century CE. A large and finely carved wood mask depicting an elongated human visage donning a fanciful headdress adorned with two long-beaked birds as well as a grand collar with geometric designs. The mask also shows remains of red and white pigments on the face perhaps indicative of tattooing or face paint, the birds' bodies, as well as the collar. Does not include custom stand. Size: 26-1/2" (67.4 cm).

The Sepik river winds over roughly 1100 kilometres down to the coast with 8 different tributaries joining the main river that flows down from the central and coastal mountain ranges. Hard wood sculpture from the areas of the Middle and Lower Sepik, and the mouth of the river, are considered to be the prime artistic expression of the region surpassing all others.

Provenance: Ex-private Tucson, AZ collection, acquired in Sydney, Australia in 1970's.

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.

#108327

Intact and excellent with nice aged surface.