OLD DANCE MASK, Yuat River PNG

Chris Boylan Oceanic Art

OLD DANCE MASK, Mundugumor people, Yuat River, Lower Sepik River, PNG         Early 20^th C

This is an ancient, well used mask from the Mundugumor people of thr Yuat River. It has an extraordinary double nose, large red eyes surrounded by a black rim and the largely white face (showing many layerins of paint) give it a strong and dramatic presence.

Along the left side is a crack, village repaired that includes two tiny rusted nails, This suggests it was an important mask to the community.

The mask has been in an Australian collection for more than 50 years.

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