A mid-20th century large ceremonial initiation mask likely by the Iatmul people of the middle Sepik River region of Papua New Guinea, located between the Blackwater River and Karawari River in East Sepik Province.
Impressively sized and well executed fantastical bird-like form with a 20-inch-long beak (or nose) and wide-open mouth, comprised of tightly hand-woven wicker basketry over a bent wood frame. Darkened surface is hand-painted with black, white, and salmon-colored natural earth pigment details and shapes. A copper-colored, hand-knotted raffia fringe embellishes nearly the entire perimeter of the piece. A fluffy tuft of cassowary feathers decorates the tip of the nose, while a few more cassowary feathers remain at the top of the head. Opening on underside is 9.5 inches in diameter.
Papua New Guinean masks such as this are often said to represent or channel ancestral spirits and reference various animals important to the clan. This one in particular likely draws inspiration from the saun, a bush bird central to the Iatmul culture, or the cassowary, often called “the world’s most dangerous bird”. When not being used for ceremonial purposes, it would’ve been hung with pride from the gables of a prominent dwelling.
These are sometimes described online as being tumbuan masks, but we believe that designation to be incorrect, as tumbuan masks are of a distinctly different design and used during other types of ceremonies.
Acquired from the San Francisco, California estate of a serious and prodigious decades-long collector of Papua New Guinean and African masks, art, and artifacts.
Dimensions: Height: 26 in Width: 15 in Depth: 35 in
Condition: Good
Wear consistent with age and use. In very good condition for age/materials. Lower “jaw” would’ve originally been positioned parallel to “beak” but wood support rods on either side are cracked; likely correctible, but still presents well as is. A couple minor wicker breaks. Fragile.