Vintage Iatmul Spirit Mask Sepik River Tambanum Village Papua New Guinea

Description

Offered for sale is a vintage (early 1990's)  Iatmul tribal spirit/guardian mask from the Sepik River, Tambanum Village, Papua New Guinea.  The mask is hand carved and hand painted in a traditional Iatmul style and color scheme, with bold motifs and symbols and cowrie shell eyes.  Masks of this type are never made to be worn - they are hung in various locations in the village to ward off enemies, keep away evil spirits, or to bring luck in hunting and harvesting activities. The mask is in good vintage condition with wear and imperfections consistent with age and use - minor surface wear and scuffs. It measures 22" high, 9" wide, and 3" in depth.