Description:

Oceania, Melanesia, Papua New Guinea, Ramu or Murik Lakes region, ca. mid-20th century CE. A mask carved from wood with inlaid shell eyes, decorated with natural pigments and framed by a full cascade of raffia fiber. The mask features a pronounced long nose, characteristic of male ancestor representations, and cane earring loops with braided fiber attachments at the sides. Traditionally worn in male ceremonial performances, these masks were associated with ancestor spirits and mythological beings and were kept hidden in men's houses when not in use. Size of wood mask: 12" L x 4.5" W (30.5 cm x 11.4 cm); 28" H (71.1 cm) on included custom stand; raffia tassels add about 20" L (50.8 cm)

Provenance: Ralph T. Coe Center for the Arts, Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA; acquired in July 1996 from Jerome Evans, California, USA.

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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SHIPPING EXCEPTIONS: Due to customs clearance issues, we are unable to ship to Germany, Switzerland and Australia. If you live in Germany, Switzerland or Australia, you will need to provide an alternate shipping destination, or we will not be able to complete your purchase. In addition, please note that we are unable to ship ancient items back to the original country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.)

PAYMENT EXCEPTION: Unless a known customer of Artemis, payment for all gold / precious metal / gem lots must be made via Bank Wire Transfer or Certified Bank Check/Money Order, no exceptions.

#196419

  • Condition: Mounted on a custom display stand. Some flaking to painted pigments. Active shedding to raffia fibers when handled.

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Shipping

Bidder Can Make Shipping Arrangements, Local Pick-Up, In-House Shipping

August 22, 2025 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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