 |
Maprik Area, East Sepik Province, Papua New GuineaA wonderfully old and well worn Abelam Yam mask. Used to decorate the male yams at harvest ceremonies. Carved from dense hard wood in classical form. Decorated with layers of natural pigments, indicating repeated use over time. The ears and septum pierced for attachments. Weathered and encrusted patina. In excellent condition. Mid 20th Century. Custom mounted. Height: 32 cm or 12.5 inches |
 |
Ramu River, Madang Province, Papua New GuineaA wonderful old lower Ramu dance mask. Carved from dense wood; in classic form; the eyes and mouth carved through; piercing on the ears and on the side of the nose for attachments. These masks are attached to large woven structures that the dancer wears, and the attachment holes around the rim of this mask are heavily worn. Applied natural pigment, some of which is muted, and evidence of insect depredation, on the back left side which has caused minor loss to the left ear. This is now stable, and only adds to the charm of the mask, who has spent most of its life until recently in the field. Varied encrusted patina; in fine condition. Circa 1930′s, custom mounted. Height: 60 cm or 23 inches |
 |
Maprik Area, East Sepik Province, Papua New GuineaA fantastic example of this style of woven mask. Made particularly interesting by the second backwards facing face. Extremely well woven with raised mouths, and ears, and coiled frames around the faces and along the ridges of the nose. Wearing a cassowary feather headdress, and beautifully decorated with natural pigments. Smokey dark patina from time spent in storage; in excellent condition. Mounted on a custom display stand. 1950′s. Dimensions: 63 x 50 x 26 cm or 24.5 x 19.5 x 10.25 inches. |
 |
Ulupu Village, Maprik Area, Papua New GuineaAn old Abelam woven yam mask. Attached to yams at harvest ceremonies to represent ancestor spirits. Unusual stout form of woven cane with lovely muted natural pigment decoration. The reverese showing age due to built up encrustations; in excellent condition. Mounted on a steel display stand. Dimensions: 21 x 31 cm or 8.25 x 12.2 inches. |
 |
A’Idio Village, Papuan Gulf, Papua New GuineaThis amazing Papuan dance costume originates from A’Idio Village. It is similar to the more commonly known Kanipu costume. Representing bush spirits it is worn by young boys at initiation, or to guard “majic” coconuts to be used at ceremonies. Dimensions: 110 x 54 x 120 cm or 43 x 21 x 47 inches |
