New Guinea PAPUAN GULF Elema Tapa BIRD MASK!
New Guinea PAPUAN GULF Elema Tapa BIRD MASK!
Origin: South Coast New Guinea, Papuan Gulf, Gulf Province, Western Elema, Orokolo People (Provenance: Private New York Collection, Ex. collection of Anthropologist Dr. William H. Davenport, New Haven Connecticut)
Period/Date: Likely circa 1940's
Materials: Rattan, fiber, bark cloth, natural earth pigments
Description: This particular bird mask "eharo" was used in the "kovave" ceremonies. It is expressive and especially dramatic when viewed from the side. It comes from the end of the period when great ritual art was still made, before the culture disintegrated and revival pieces were made for sale. In good condition retaining most of its original pigments. Some loss to the bark cloth on the side projections. Presented on a custom display stand.
Dimensions: Height: 31" (79 cm), Width 15.5" (39 cm)