Middle Sepik Mask

A fully decorated hardwood mask covered in small nassa shells which are embedded into local clay gum. The exaggerated long tongue, also covered with embedded nassa shells, protrudes down to the base of the mask where it becomes detailed as a bird’s head.

Around the elongated chin is a looped vine fiber edging simulating a beard. Two split boar’s tusks protrude from the nostrils and the face above is painted in river clay paints of grey, black and red illustrating Middle Sepik traditional symbols. Cassowary fine feathers decorate the top of this mask.

Length; 69cm / 27ins. Angriman Village, Middle Sepik.