Dance Mask

Flores, Indonesia, early 20th c.
Provenance: Jose Manuel Ferrater Lambarri, Barcelona

In many Indonesian societies, dancing is a form of story telling. Dancers dressed in elaborate costumes with carved, wooden masks represent specific spirits or ancestors. This mask, from Flores, is beautifully simplistic. With slightly offset asymmetry, the mask's carefully carved facial features (eyes, nose, mouth, and ears) give of an intrinsic humanistic quality. Its texturized surface gives the mask a certain depth, while the smooth honey brown patinated veneer suggests its heavy use, built up over time.

Height: 10 1/2 in
IN. 11-1-14/ SOLD