Dance Mask

Singrin Village, Papua New Guinea
19th Century

This is a excellent example of Singrin village sculpture.  Carved with non metal tools this old mask is a pure archetype.  The face has a powerful presence and is conceived with great precision and symmetry. The mask is pierced around the rim for attachment in addition to the septum being pierced; this is an important characteristic in Oceanic art. The patina is fine and aged from generations of use.  There are some slight losses to the rim of the mask but this can be expected due to its great age.  There are old inventory numbers on the inside of the mask. ( 2 6 8 )

The mask is 10 inches tall

SOLD / IN 4-12-09