Description:

**First Time At Auction**

Oceania, Papua New Guinea, East Sepik, Abelam, early 20th century CE. A hand-painted and woven vegetal fiber mask of conical form with vibrant colors and abstract amplified features. The sizable eyes feature central white pupils surrounded by openwork ovals and are separated by a long nasal ridge with a loop at the end, perhaps for hanging ornamentation. The top of the head is crowned by a knob coiffure and two annular, flared ears. The red, white, and black pigmentation was added for vibrant accenting of features and perhaps to mimic the coloration of yams. Growing the largest yam was a competitive measure of status amongst Abelam men, and this mask was used for festivals where the yam - a cherished and vital crop - was celebrated. Size: 11.25" in diameter x 12" H (28.6 cm x 30.5 cm)

Provenance: private Tucson, Arizona, USA collection, acquired between 1950 and 1985

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#148012

  • Condition: Light fraying in one small area of rim. Wire hoop on back added for suspension. Otherwise, intact and excellent with nice remaining pigments and lovely earthen deposits on exterior.

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February 4, 2021 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000