Description:

Oceania, Papua New Guinea, Mid/East Sepik River region, Abelam peoples, ca. 1940s CE. A fine basketry mask of a rough ovoid form depicting an intriguing anthropomorphic face. The countenance presents with bulging openwork eyes, a sharply crested nose that curls inwards towards the upper lip, conical ears protruding from the temples, and a broad, thin smile. The basketry fibers are tightly braided and then painted with natural red, black, and white pigments that form broad, concentric bands across the visage. The back periphery is reinforced with a thick fiber that aids in allowing the mask to maintain its relative form. Size: 9.625" W x 13" H (24.4 cm x 33 cm); 17.125" H (43.5 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private Newport Beach, California, USA collection

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.

We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#142466

  • Condition: Small losses to portions of rattan fibers on top periphery and around left eye as shown. Slight bending to forms of some basketry strands, with fading to areas of original pigment, and expected desiccation to basketry fibers. Light remains of pigment throughout.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

December 17, 2020 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of up to 24.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

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