New Guinea Middle Sepik Painted SAWOS FRONTLET MASK
New Guinea Middle Sepik Painted SAWOS FRONTLET MASK
Origin: New Guinea, East Sepik Province, Middle Sepik River, Sawos People? (Provenance: Ex. Lynda Cunningham, Philmont, NY )
Period/Date: 1930's-40's
Materials: hardwood, natural lime and ocher earth pigments, cone shell
Description: This striking ancestor mask is presented on a custom wood display stand. Given that it has inset shells as opposed to cut eye holes, strongly suggests this was used as a "frontlet mask" attached to an elaborate ritual body costume. It has irregular hand pierced holes around the perimeter for attachment. The expressive face reminds me of a cross between a bat (tear drop eyes) and a pig (curled tusks). In that sense the mask is transformational. It retains over 80 percent of its original paint. The wood is very hard and dense. The backside has a dry varied surface. There is evidence of old scorching near the top and bottom, suggesting it was fire-hardened for longevity and protection again insects. In great condition with some old loss to the rim of the chin.
Dimensions: Height 15.25” (39 cm), width 6 3/8” (16 cm)