Papua New Guinea, East Sepik River
Late 19th Century/Early 20th Century
This diminutive terra cotta mask is possibly from Chambri Lake or the Black Water River area. Examples of this vintage and quality are exceedingly rare. The features are classic, the eyes, nose and mouth are all conceived like the wooden masks of the region. This particular piece would have been attached as a power amulet to a dancer’s woven fiber costume. These elaborate costumes could have several of these amulets attached at once making the dancer more ’in-tune’ with the spirit world.
This mask stands 6.5 inches tall.
Price Upon Request / IN 4-3-10
