This item has been SOLD. From the Middle Sepik River area, a large spirit House mask with extended nose and charcoal blackened, prominent nostrils. Sold by Butterfield and Butterfield in 1998 as part of the A.C. Johnson collection, field collected in the 1950's by Johnson. This piece has a hand written and crumpled tag attached which states, Mask of a face which I got for a comb at the village of Chipendai on the right bank of the Sepik River, July 12, 1954. While there is some slight grain separation in the wood from dehydration, much of the original ochre, charcoal and kayolin color remains om this fine, large house mask. There is slight loss to the tip of the nose and the rafia surround is long since missing as are the cowrie shells which were once inset in the eyes. This is a classic Iatmul house mask and with the collection tag an exciting addition to any New Guinea collection. Accompanied by a custom metal display stand. 1940's. Size 24.5" x9". Height 31' on stand.

Regional & Ethnic Antiques