Biwat people, Lower Sepik River area, PNG

11.5 inches, carved wood, natural pigments, feathers, shells

Masks of this nature are made to be hung on the hut wall. This one is unique in expression, beautifully detailed, and not made to look old and appealing to tourists/collectors. I think it’s a very nice piece. Perfect un-used condition. There is no record of when or where is was found, only a tag that says Bewat village. The Biwat people number about 1200, and they live in four villages on the banks of the Yuat River in the East Sepik Province of Papua New Guinea.