SCARCE NEW GUINEA WASHKUK INITIATION MASK

Origin:  New Guinea, Washkuk Hills, Kwoma, Northern bank of the western edge of the Middle Sepik   (Provenance: Ex. collection of Joel Greene, San Francisco)

Period/Date: Early 20th Century

Materials: Hardwood and natural pigments, cowrie shell

Description:  This rare and unusual style ancestor mask comes with custom metal display stand.  It has a very strong profile with projecting nose (pierced at the septum) and long broad outstretched tongue!  Its eyes are asymmetrical giving it a whimsical expression.  There are four holes for attachment where the mask was secured to possibly a basketry structure or costume for use in an important puberty initiation ritual involving circumcision?  On page 83 of "Crocodile and Cassowary" Douglas Newton talks about one such initiation called "hande sukwia" where the tongues of novices were scraped with a rough leaf and their penises were incised.  The long outstretched tongue of this mask may foretell the activity of this very ceremony in which it was used?  It shows extensive age and use yet retains much of its oxidized lime and ocher pigments.  In good condition with a couple small old chips around the perimeter.

Dimensions:   Height 11.75"  (30 cm), Width 6"  (15 cm)

Price:   $4800   Currency Conversion   FREE SHIPPING When Using "Buy Now" Feature