**Originally Listed At $500**
Oceania, Papua New Guinea, possibly Yuat River region, ca. early to mid 20th century CE. A mesmerizing woven fiber dance mask of a grand scale and made to cover the entire upper body of its wearer, with an overall conical form and painted with red, chocolate brown, and cream hues. The mask's dramatic face features large openwork eyes with a central vertical band running between them, all made from plaited fibers, a large tusk-shaped wooden ornament through the septum of the nose, a 'hairy' beard of suspended dyed red fibers, a crown of matching 'hair' atop the forehead, attached tab-shaped ears, and pointy wooden projections protruding symmetrically from the sides of the face. There is a large circular navel-like form applied to the abdominal region below, and a long fibrous skirt wraps around the lower body. A marvelous spirit dance mask. Size: 19.5" W x 44" H (49.5 cm x 111.8 cm); 62.75" H (159.4 cm) on included custom stand.
Provenance: private Tucson, Arizona, USA collection, acquired between 1950 and 1985
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#150840
Condition
Expected age wear with slight fading and darkening to pigmentation, some loose/missing fibers. Area of separation between skirt and lower body, but most is affixed very well. Integral loop atop head. Set on custom stand.