Catalog: Vintage Arts: Regional Art: Oceanic: Artifacts (2)

Small dance mask made of a turtle shell at its center, in a kind of frame made of soil and sagotree resin with multiple cowries inserts and painted in red, white and black, surrounded with remnants of cassowary feathers. Papua New Guinea, Middle Sepik region, Palimbei, Iatmul ethnic group. Mid 20th century period. Height: 21 cm. A few small old accidents, otherwise very good condition. Provenance: old Italian collection. IMPORTANT NOTE: export ONLY to the European Community.

Replacement head, called "kus", finely carved to represent a human head, with realistic features, mouth open, pierced nose with a small (recent) bamboo stick inserted in it, two "earrings" made of textile and raffia. The head is made of wood, with a fine age patina. Papua New Guinea, Asmat, mid 20th century. Height: 25.9 cm. The mask is nicely mounted on a custom stand. Very good condition. NOTE: Trophy heads or skulls were used in initiation rites...