Description:

Papua New Guinea, Sepik River, Madang Tribe, ca. 1st half 20th century. This exceptional Kominimung Mask is an ancestral mask of the Madang Tribe of the Sepik River area in Papua New Guinea. Among the Kominimung peoples, such dance masks were/are worn by initiated men during ritual performances. These masks depict bwongogo (ancestral spirits) believed to bring about success in agriculture, hunting, fishing, and warfare. In Kominimung communities, these masks are regarded as sacred. Women and children are not permitted to witness the creation of the masks. However, entire communities watch the masked dancers perform. Carved from hard wood, the mask depicts two visages - likely that of a human ancestral spirit with a bird-like face above - and is painted in red, cream and brown hues. Beautiful aged patina. Measures 29"H (73.6cm). Note: A similar example in Sotheby's Allan Stone Collection sold for $11,250 (see #16, November 15, 2013, New York). Provenance: Ex-B. Pickard private collection, Oklahoma City, OK; Ex-Ron Perry collection, acquired in 1950s-1965. Mr. Perry was a cartographer who surveyed Papua New Guinea before it attained nationhood. Works from his collection have been featured in major museum exhibitions. Mr. Perry is also the author of a book entitled "Art Dealer in the Last Unknown" (2011); Ex-Bruce Lawes, Retired Australian Patrol Officer for Middle Sepik Area, Papua New Guinea, 1973 expedition. 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. #102639

  • Condition: Intact with minimal surface wear. Overall excellent condition.

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March 19, 2015 8:00 AM MDT
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 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000