Southeast Asia, Indonesia, Borneo, East / Central Kalimantan, Mahakam River, Dayak peoples, Bahau group, ca. early 20th century CE. A wondrous example of a wooden festival mask constructed from several hand-carved wooden components. This style of mask is known as a hudoq ("hornbill bird"), though hudoq is also a style of mask representing one of thirteen different crop-destroying pests such as rats, lions, birds, and insects. The ovoid mask has petite eye holes beneath hemispherical, brass eye caps, a huge, pointed nose, a broad mouth bearing two rows of incised, black teeth, an elongated chin, and two articulated ear flaps tied to the visage via strands of vegetal fiber. The cream-ground vizard is accentuated with swirling abstract designs painted in black and crimson. This gorgeous example displays a fantastical sense of movement and character. Size: 12.5" W x 13.125" H (31.8 cm x 33.3 cm)

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex-Dr. Gallagher collection, Sydney, Australia, acquired 1960 to 2000

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.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.

Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#161604

Collection labels on verso and proper left ear. Missing headdress, fangs, and ear horns. Repairs to chin with some restoration from new wood. Expected minor nicks and chips commensurate with age, as well as abraded area on verso. Otherwise, excellent with vibrant pigments and lovely earthen deposits.