Lot 189
Papua New Guinea, East Sepik Province, Middle Sepik River, between Karawari (Korewori) and Blackwater Rivers, Kapriman Village, ca. mid-20th century. A rare tumbuan long nosed mask, most likely representing a Cassowary or a water and bush bird known as a Saun - comprised of tightly woven wicker, decorated with earth pigments of red, brown, and white hues, and cassowary feathers along the sides, top, and tip of the beak. This is a male example called a nario from the Blackwater River. These are hung from the gables of the Haus Tambarans and removed during initiation ceremonies when initiates obtain marks of scarification. They are said to represent spirits of birds, animals or other natural phenomena. Very few masks created by peoples of the Sepik River region are worn directly over the face which explains the lack of eye holes. Papua New Guinea masks often refer directly or indirectly to ancestor or clan spirits and totems such as pig, cassowary (muruk), crocodile (pukpuk), eagle (taragau), or a water and bush bird (saun). Measures 43" (109.25 cm) long x 14"(35.75 cm) wide. Provenance: Ex-B. Pickard private collection, Oklahoma City, OK; Ex-Ron L. Perry collection, collected in situ by Mr. Perry in 1960s. 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). 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. #102636
- Condition: Intact and excellent condition.
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| From: | To: | Increments: |
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| $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 |