Oceania, Papua New Guinea, East Sepik, Abelam, early to mid-20th century CE. A highly stylized woven vegetal fiber mask, vividly hand-painted in hues of russet, burnt sienna, cream, and ochre and adorned with bird feathers along its bottom periphery. The sizable visage features 2 protruding circular eyes under arched brows, decorated with painted concentric circles of alternating colors. A long raised nasal ridge divides the mask in half vertically, travelling from a high point at the top of the head and ending at an elongated slender nose that stretches above and beyond a gaping mouth painted with a triangular design, perhaps to represent a tongue. The long protuberance perhaps represents the tongue. Size: 36" L x 18" H (91.4 cm x 45.7 cm)

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 to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#163551

Minor wear and losses as shown but overall in very excellent condition.