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