Description:

Oceania, Papua New Guinea, probably Gulf Province, Tovei Village, ca. mid 20th century CE. A huge, fascinating dance mask woven from colorful plant fibers, the body presenting an attractive zigzag pattern of chocolate brown and cream hues. Openings in the body allowed the wearer to put their arms outside of it as well as to look out from its chest - the tall head, with its open mouth and crest, would have towered above the wearer. This example, rare among ones we have seen, contains in the neck a repurposed food can that is filled with rocks to create a noise when the head is moved. A sago leaf skirt is attached below the rattan body. White feathers decorate the sides. Size: 42" W x 79" H (106.7 cm x 200.7 cm)

Provenance: private Tucson, Arizona, USA collection, acquired between 1950 and 1985

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#150833

  • Condition: Light wear on surface commensurate with age. Some areas of loose/missing fibers and minor losses to the sago leaf skirt. The textile wrapping around one arm is also lost. Otherwise in nice condition with slight fading to the pigment on the surface. The can/noisemaker on the interior can be removed but sits snugly inside the neck.

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November 14, 2019 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000