Lot 127C
Oceania, Papua New Guinea, Middle Sepik region, Iatmul people, ca. 20th century CE. A sizeable and splendid wooden mask known as a mai mask in the form of an elongated, anthropomorphic face, adorned in red, white, black, and yellow pigments. Skillfully painted with abstract zigzag, striated, and polka dot designs, the fascinating visage presents a heavy brow above bulging, annular eyes, a lengthy, tapered nose that drops down from the brow hanging over the face, and a petite openwork smile. His stylized head narrows toward the chin where it is embellished by an undulating raised crest. The chin then expands at the bottom to a petaloid shape exhibiting the relief of an ovoid head with a straight brow, a broad nose, and full lips held in a huge grin. An openwork loop is carved into the verso of the vizard for suspension. Size: 5.7" W x 34.5" H (14.5 cm x 87.6 cm)
Mai masks are distinctive for their oblong faces and elongated noses, as exemplified by this piece. According to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, "Mai masks are carved and danced in pairs, portraying elder and younger supernatural siblings, either brothers or sisters. Worn by young men and boys, the masks are attached to conical basketry costumes that cover the dancers head and upper body. Mai mask performances begin with the construction of a fenced compound. Within it, the men build a raised platform, with a backdrop depicting the mountains where, according to oral tradition, the masks originated, and a ramp that extends over the wall to the ground outside. As the performance begins, the mai maskers burst from behind the backdrop and stride down the ramp. Reaching the ground outside, they are joined by the women, who accompany them to the dancing ground, where a lengthy performance ensues before the dancers finally retire into the mens ceremonial house."
Provenance: private Jersey City, New Jersey, USA collection; ex-Marcia and John Friede collection, New York, USA
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#169916
- Condition: Nose repaired from at least 3 pieces with break lines visible. Stable fissure to brow. Some nicks, abrasions, and light staining and fading of pigments. Otherwise, excellent with nice remaining colors.
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