Got some really good Native American stuff last couple days. Plus this my new friend.

This is my new buddy. He’s in tough shape as he has lost many of his shells. Still looks great and slightly scary. 60’s or earlier probably. Papau New Guinea is where it came from. More specifically from the middle Sepik River region. Probably made for the tourist trade but possibly not. He is a big Boy a a full yard long. Proper name is an Iatmul mask.



More photos: https://imgur.com/a/ApfvRJG

Btw, I did not pay $400

 

seems pretty bright for 60's......i'd say 80's

 

In the 60s the Iatmul were already producing a lot of masks for tourists and trade, often using modern paints instead of the traditional pigments.
I saw similar Iatmul masks in the early 70s. Many were much more 'new' and modern looking.

 

The Iatmul are the people. More specifically, the type of mask is called "mei".
https://collections.artsmia.org/art/3353/mei-mask-iatmul

 

So are you saying that this appears to be made with natural pigments and thus older? Or the opposite. They appear natural to me but I could be wrong. The eyes are very cool, as is the back which is burnt out. No human hair, which I’ll consider a good thing even though it would mean it was older and probably more valuable. I think it would creep me out a tad.

 

This is true. For some reason I thought they were kind of interchangeable but I guess not. I would have probably mentioned that were I not falling asleep typing.

 

The opposite. I would think after 1970 rather than before.
There are a lot of old PNG masks without human hair, btw.

 

You are right on both fronts. Definitely most without hair. Just a way to date them pretty well. Also likely made after 1970 but probably not much after I’ve figured out.

 

too bad about the shells busting off both sides of the face.............

 

I know!!!!! Had to literally travel around the world I wonder if thats when it was damaged or more recently... I was told they used a natural substance, not manufactured glue to stick them to the wood so not incredibly durable probably. I still think he looks amazing and will enjoy him.

 

Yes, they generally mix natural resin with other materials. Bits fall of after a while. I have the same with Papua items decorated with beads and cassowary feathers.

You may be able to find the same size cowries, but frankly I don't mind a bit of loss on these things.

 

the way the loss occurs...it's almost like a pattern.....so it still has a nice look to it........... enjoy !!