Lot 603
Three (3) Large Sepik River, Papua, New Guinea Hand Carved Masks: Wood, Woven Cane, Raffia, Organic Pigments and Cowry Shells. Three large wood carved Sepik River mask from Papua, New Guinea. Each quite striking especially given how diverse their shapes. The oval mask is painted in earthen pigments, framed in a halo of woven cane and accented with cowry shells (right side length of shells missing (not at all uncommon given they are affixed only with mud) but not a distraction. 21 x 19" and such a striking piece. The longest mask also boasts organic, earth tone pigments, accented with tiny cowry shells around mouth and beard (almost all present), with raffia accentuating the beard, 33 x 11". Finally the darkest mask is deeply carved, heavier than most all the masks in auction, boasts remarkable exotic detail including the small animal head, tongue touching nose and the polished white shell eyes. Most of the cowry shells are missing, but the breaks revealing the red mud and pigment adds immeasurably to the appeal. Raffia completely surrounds the mask. 25 x 12" Together or separate, these three are quite striking. Estimated Value $150 - UP
From The Private Collection of James Harrison Ring.
|
| |
| Realized $234 |
