Fiber Mask

Boiken, Coastal Prince Alexander Mountains, East Sepik Province, Papua New Guinea. Early 20th C
PROVENANCE: John Friede, Rye, NY.

Fiber masks from the Boiken in the Coastal Price Alexander Mountains of the East Sepik Province are extremely rare. This particular mask is one of only two known today. The mask is made out of vegetable fibers, which are wound around a wooden skeleton. The facial characteristics are consistent with Boiken artistic trends. Large protruding eyes dominate the face, while a small shaft of wood represents the nose. The mouth is carved out of coconut shell, and care has been taken to clearly delineate the teeth. The three-dimensional quality of the eyes compared with the linear features created by the nose and mouth produce a nice contrast.

Height: 10.5 " in.
IN 2-5-14 / Price on Request