Manam Island, Madang Province, Papua New Guinea

This impressive fellow originates from Manam Island. Carved from hard wood, in classic form, the large forehead undecorated as it would be adorned with dog and pig tooth head bands at ceremonial occasions. The sharp beak like nose does not rejoin the chin which is deeply carved with abstract motif. All of the attachment holes around the outer rim of the mask, are cut square and show signs of extensive use, the extra large bite stick still present showing old bite marks. Layers upon layers of red trade pigment decoration, with rough adze carving on the reverse. In perfect condition. Circa 1920′s; custom mounted.

Height: 51 cm cm or 20 inches.

Price: Australian $7500.00

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Lower Ramu River, Madang Province, Papua New Guinea

This dramatic mask originates from the very lower Ramu River near where it joins the coast. Crafted entirely from bush materials, the face with coconut shell eyes, the “mohawk” on top of the head attained by using 10 old and quite large dogs teeth, while the bulk of the mask is decorated with hundreds of tiny nassa shells. Still vibrant red natural pigment decoration while the fringe on the bottom of the mask has traces of “recketts blue”. Complimented beautifully with a sharp clam shell nose pin. A perfect example in fine condition. Circa 1940′s. Custom mounted.

Width x Height: 24 x 25 cm cm or 9.5 x 9.75 inches.

Price: Sold

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Manam Island, Madang Province, Papua New Guinea

A fine Lower Ramu Dance mask. Carved in classic form from hard wood, the pierced ears with bush fiber earrings, while the solid brow has traces of shell inlay set in resin. The top suspension lug, and crocodile head protruding from the chin used to attach the mask to the dancers costume both exhibit extensive wear. The pouted mouth and eyes are carved through. Varied patina on the front surface with some of the bush varnish finish having worn away, while the reverse is smooth and glossy. Circa 1940′s In excellent condition.

Height: 52 cm or 20.5 inches.

Price: Australian $3200.00

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Manam Island, Madang Province, Papua New Guinea

A beautiful Manam Island dance mask. Carved in narrow classic form; the beak like nose joining above the mouth with deeply carved abstract motif projecting to the sides like a classic European moustache. The mouth and eyes, carved through while the ears and nose are pierced for attachments. Applied red and black trade paint, which is common practice in this region since the mid 20th Century. On the side of the mask are four carved holes which would have once housed a bite stick, and a large carved lug on the top of the mask for attachment to the dancers costume, all displaying signs of extensive use. I was lucky enough to document the individual name of this mask at time of collection which is “Watkapura”, this is an ancestral name associated with the clan who sold me it. A fantastic mask with a real presence, in what can only be described as excellent condition. Circa 1920′s; custom mounted

Height: 74 cm or 29 inches.

Price: Australian $5500.00

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Lower Sepik River, East Sepik Province, Papua New Guinea

A fine Lower Sepik Dance Mask. Carved from light hard wood in classic form the expressive face surmounted by a carved lizzard descending the forehead; while the ears and nose are pierced for attachments. Layers of vibrant trade and natural pigment decoration from generations of use. On the reverse are two carve holes where a bite stick would have once been. Weathered and encrusted patina, in overall excellent condition. Circa 1940′s; Custom mounted.

Height: 64 cm or 25.25 inches.

Price: Australian $4000.00

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Yangoru Area, East Sepik Province, Papua New Guinea

A group of three old Talipoon masks. Originally attached to large snail shells and traded as a form of traditional currency. All three have solid age, and are of a rare form, particularly the example with the double bird heads. Traces of pigments on all three masks, the two with birds a combination of natural pigments and Rekkits Blue washing powder, often used as a pigment in the 50′s and 60′s. Weathered and encrusted patina in truly excellent condition. Circa 1930′s; custom mounted.

Heights: 27 – 38 cm or 10.5 – 15 inches.

Price: Australian$2400.00

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Ramu River, Madang Province, Papua New Guinea

An old Ramu River Dance mask. Carved from hard wood in distinctive form, the large curling bird-beak nose rejoining the face just above the mouth, evoking images of mystique and power to its audience. The ears and septum pierced for attachments, and the cut out holes around the rim of the mask used to attach it to the dancers costume exhibit plenty of wear. Glass trade rings as eyes; add a vivid visual element. Weathered glossy patina in overall excellent condition. Custom mounted. Collected 1952-54 by Peter Kohler from Ascona, Switzerland and sold to an expatriate Australian. This mask had some age and definite signs of use prior to collection, most likely dating from the 1940′s.

Height: 57 cm or 22.5 inches

Price: SOLD

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Maprik Area, East Sepik Province, Papua New Guinea

An old and very well used Abelam Yam mask. Used to decorate the male yams at harvest ceremonies. Carved from dense hard wood in elongated narrow form. The exaggerated nose running almost the entirety of the face. Layers and layers of pigments, indicating repeated use over time. The septum pierced for feather attachments. Weathered and encrusted patina. In overall excellent condition. Early 20th Century. Custom mounted.

Height: 36 cm or 14 inches

Price: SOLD

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Kamge Village, Wosera District, East Sepik Province, Papua New Guinea

A vibrant Wosera Baba Mask. Tightly woven bark fibre, in helmet form and brilliantly decorated with layers of natural pigments. Notably are the eyes that project outwards from the face; these are surrounded by openwork weaving that reach almost to the tip of the nose. Worn by young men at initiation; and various Yam related ceremonies. In excellent condition. Mid 20th Century. Custom mounted.

Dimensions: 43 x 51 x 30 cm or 17 x 20 x 12 inches.

Price: $1200.00.00 AUD

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Bosman Village, Ramu River, Madang Province, Papua New Guinea

A superb Bosman dance mask. Carved from hardwood; the bark fibre head fringe still present. Painted using natural and the later addition of “Trade” pigments. Pearl shell eyes, with incised curvilinear motifs running down the cheeks. A large tricuspid nose with pierced septum and pierced ears. The reverse exhibits good age and signs of use. Early to mid 20th Century. Custom Mounted.

Height: 45 cm or 17.2 inches.
Price: $3500.00 AUD

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