Description:

**First Time At Auction**

Papua New Guinea, Middle Sepik River, early-mid 20th century CE. A wonderful wood mask carved to represent the face of a deceased ancestor. The face is long and oval, dominated by a large hooked nose and round eyes with twin small holes drilled through them. The mouth is small, below an incised line that probably represents ritual tattooing. The edges of the mask have been carved in a scalloped pattern, with a large hole through the forehead and two smaller holes on either side of the eyes for suspension. In this culture, when someone died, the family hired a special carver or priest to fashion a figure of the deceased. This figure could be kept in the home and asked for advice. Size: 8.25" W x 18.75" H (21 cm x 47.6 cm)

Provenance: Ex-Adeon Gallery, Chicago, IL, USA acquired prior to 1970

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.

#119195

  • Condition: Excellent dark patina, with remains of a dark red, earthy pigment/deposits found in the lower profile areas of the mask.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

April 24, 2017 10:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 24.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

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 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000