$350 - $500
Large Mai Mask, Middle Sepik, Papua New Guinea. Carved and engraved hardwood and decorated with nassa, cowrie and cone shells. Mai masks are perhaps the most iconic and identifiable art forms from the Sepik River. They are worn for performances with a group of four dancers on the village’s central dance ground in front of the ngeko ceremonial house. Each performer represents a spirit being—two brothers and their two sisters. After the performance, the costume of leaf strips, flowers, feathers and an array of adornments is dismantled and only the wooden mask section is kept in the owner’s home. Approx L80 x 24cm. PROVENANCE John Magers Collection, Sydney.
Fees apply to the hammer price:
Room and Absentee Bids:
24.20% inc GST*
Online and Autobids:
24.2% inc GST*
