Description:

**Originally Listed At $350**

Oceania, New Guinea, middle Sepik River region, Kwoma / Nukuma people, ca. early to mid-20th century CE. A tall, hand-carved wooden face mask with a strikingly abstract and elongated form. Carved from a single piece of wood, the mask features a deeply recessed brow and the nose hanging downward, completely free from the rest of the face. Below is a mouth with a curved, snake like tongue. Wooden heads like this example are often crafted for yena, the initial ceremony in a series of yam harvest celebrations. Characterized by their protruding eyes and elongated noses, these heads embody revered ancestral spirits. Size: 41" L x 12" W (104.1 cm x 30.5 cm)

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

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

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#195675

  • Condition: Heavy patina and weathering to the surface. Old inactive insect activity - bore holes and grooves on the verso. Some minor chips and abrasions, but otherwise intact. Metal eyelet added for suspension.

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Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

February 8, 2026 10:00 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