Sepic River area, PNG

7 inches, 9 with fringe, turtle shell, resin, tusks, cowries, grass fringe

A heavy little mask, I believe it is made of clay or some kind of resin over a turtle shell, with a pair of boar’s tusks and lots of cowrie shells pressed into place. Very rich detailing, and in my humble opinion, quite handsome. No provenance. The right tusk has been repaired, but the piece is sturdy and otherwise excellent.

This face mask was probably placed in dwelling houses and represents a spirit who guards the food supply and other assets in hunting and fishing expeditions. I would guess it is from somewhere between the coast and the head waters of the Sepik River.