Papua New Guinea

A Black Water Tumbuan Long Nosed Mask Collected prior to 1980

A Black Water Tumbuan Long Nosed Mask Collected prior to 1980
A Black Water Tumbuan Long Nosed Mask Collected prior to 1980
A Black Water Tumbuan Long Nosed Mask Collected prior to 1980
A Black Water Tumbuan Long Nosed Mask Collected prior to 1980
A Black Water Tumbuan Long Nosed Mask Collected prior to 1980
A Black Water Tumbuan Long Nosed Mask Collected prior to 1980
A Black Water Tumbuan Long Nosed Mask Collected prior to 1980

A Black Water Tumbuan Long Nosed Mask Collected prior to 1980
A Large basketry helmet style ceremonial mask from Papua New Guinea, East Sepik Province, Middle Sepik River, between Karawari (Korewori) and Blackwater Rivers, Kapriman Village, ca. This is a rare tumbuan long nosed mask, most likely representing a Cassowary or a water and bush bird known as a Saun - comprised of tightly woven wicker, decorated with earth pigments. This is a male example called a nario from the Blackwater River.

These are hung from the gables of the mens meeting house and removed during initiation ceremonies when initiates obtain marks of scarification. They are said to represent spirits of birds, animals or other natural phenomena.

The mask measures 34 x 17 inches. There is no display stand included.

Provenance: A Private New York collection prior to 1980.


A Black Water Tumbuan Long Nosed Mask Collected prior to 1980