A very fine mask representing an ancestor with a naturalistic nose, nasal ornament, and oval rimmed eyes. The outer rim has a raised cobblestone décor and is pierced with triangular holes for the attachment of a fiber or cane beard. A stylized bird or flying fox is carved in relief on the forehead.

Lower Sepik River, PNG, Melanesia. Wood & encrusted pigments with a fine patina of age and wear.

31,5 x 11,2 x 5,2 cm. 19th/20th century.

Ex collection Mme. De Keijzer, Amsterdam and probably purchased from Gallery Lemaire before 1970.

Ref.: Kelm, H.: KUNST VOM SEPIK. Vol. I, II, III. Berlin, Museum für Volkerkunde. 1966.