Old Malagan Tatanua Spirit Mask, Kavieng, New Ireland, PNG, Papua New Guinea

To see more fine oceanic artefacts. Field collected, this is a beautiful old disacarded Tatanua (Malagan) Spirit Mask Carving from Kavieng, New Ireland, Papua New Guinea. This sculpture was made by an artist on the island of New Ireland, Papua New Guinea, for use in an indigenous Malagan ceremony. New Ireland, a province of Papua New Guinea in the south Pacific, is famous for its malagan tradition.

Malagans are carved wooden sculptures displayed in special ceremonies which link the living and the dead. Tatanua masks are worn by male dancers at the ceremonies. Malagan ceremonies help return things to normal after someone has died.

Visual symbols on the sculptures and masks remind everyone of their shared history. This sculpture is distinguished by its evocative powers and its construction, both complex and delicate at once. It constitutes a superb example of the classic art of New Ireland. This is a rare and unique one of a kind piece and would be a wonderful addition to your collection and is a stunning piece of art.

The estimated age of the piece is between 1970s to 1980s. This is a stunning collectors piece.

Please note the broken base jaw likely due to the piece being discarded after the funerary ceremony. A wonderful written article by Patrick Nason is well worth a read to understand the significance and beauty of each and every carving coming from the life of Malagan. Pre post weight 0.400 kg. This is not always possible given the sizes and unique packing requirements for each unique piece. Can also insure package if required.

STANDS ARE NOT INCLUDED WITH ANY ITEM. Pictures make up part of the description. The item "Old Malagan Tatanua Spirit Mask, Kavieng, New Ireland, PNG, Papua New Guinea" is in sale since Friday, November 22, 2019. This item is in the category "Antiques\Ethnographic\Pacific Islands & Oceania". The seller is "bubble_artefacts" and is located in Wurtulla, QLD. This item can be shipped worldwide.

Material: Wood
Original/Reproduction: Original
Provenance: New Ireland
Product Type: Carvings
Originating Region: Papua New Guinea
Era: 1980s