DuMouchelles
Live Auction

May 2024: Day Two

Fri, May 17, 2024 11:00AM EDT
Lot 1336

Papua New Guinea, Sepik River Region, Carved Wood Ancestral Mask, Ca. Mid 20th C., H 50" W 15"

Estimate: $800 - $1,200

Bid Increments

Price Bid Increment
$0 $5
$30 $10
$100 $25
$400 $50
$900 $100
$2,000 $250
$5,000 $500
$10,000 $1,000
$20,000 $2,500
$50,000 $5,000
$100,000 $10,000
$200,000 $25,000
$500,000 $50,000
$1,000,000 $100,000
Finely carved and detailed mask, which appears to be crafted from one solid piece of wood. Two large cowrie shells form the eyes. Outer edge of mask is pierced at roughly equal intervals, totaling twenty-four. Small piece of fiber tied in the piercings, some missing. The top and bottom of the mask each contain the form of a bird, pointing in opposite directions. The back of each bird is also pierced and tied with small bits of fiber The beaks of both birds are also pierced. Top bird's beak has retained its fiber tie. The mask is beautifully decorated in intricate designs of alternating black and ochre-colored pigment. Fiber hook (possibly for hanging the mask) at the top of the mask. Fiber tied through hole in mask's nose as well. Provenance: Property from a Bloomfield Hills, MI private collector.

Condition

Condition is consistent with age and use. Minimal pigment loss. Lower bird carving has lost one cowry shell eye. Thin crack on upper left of the mask, above the left wing of the bird to the top of the mask. Small loss to pigment on left eyebrow. Bottom bird is missing the fiber tie on the beak. | Please note all lots show signs of wear commensurate with age and use, and the lack of a statement regarding condition does not imply the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from defects or the effects of aging. Unless otherwise stated, all information provided is the opinion of DuMouchelles' specialists. Should you have any specific questions regarding the condition of this lot, please use the “Request Condition Report” or “Ask a Question” buttons or email conditions@dumoart.com.

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Shipping Conditions:

Shipping arrangements are the buyer’s responsibility and expense.   If needed, we have a list of shippers you can evaluate on our website.  We encourage you to get an estimate of shipping costs prior to bidding.  We also require your approval to release property to any third party. Buyer agrees that packing and handling of purchased lots by DuMouchelles employees are undertaken solely as a courtesy for the convenience of the buyers, and DuMouchelles is not responsible for damage or breakage which may occur during packing and handling and shipping by DuMouchelles or of other carriers or packers of purchased lots, whether or not recommended by DuMouchelles.   Packing and handling of purchased lots is at the entire risk of the buyer.  In the case of fragile items, DuMouchelles in their sole discretion may decline to pack the items.

Property from a Bloomfield Hills, MI private collector.