Papua New Guinea

Fine Old Ancestor Spirit Mask, Keram River, PNG, Papua New Guinea, Oceanic

Fine Old Ancestor Spirit Mask, Keram River, PNG, Papua New Guinea, Oceanic
Fine Old Ancestor Spirit Mask, Keram River, PNG, Papua New Guinea, Oceanic
Fine Old Ancestor Spirit Mask, Keram River, PNG, Papua New Guinea, Oceanic
Fine Old Ancestor Spirit Mask, Keram River, PNG, Papua New Guinea, Oceanic
Fine Old Ancestor Spirit Mask, Keram River, PNG, Papua New Guinea, Oceanic
Fine Old Ancestor Spirit Mask, Keram River, PNG, Papua New Guinea, Oceanic

Fine Old Ancestor Spirit Mask, Keram River, PNG, Papua New Guinea, Oceanic

To see more fine oceanic artefacts. This is a beautifully raw organic powerful old spirit mask. Decorated with paint made from natural pigments and charcoal from the Keram River, East Sepik Province, Papua New Guinea. Ancestor worship was fundamental to the the New Guinea people and they believed that ancestral spirits have power over those still living. In Papua New Guinea it is only men who wear masks and they must have been initiated into the cult that produces the mask.

Masks are hidden from women when not in use and are secret. When worn the initiate becomes the spirit the mask represents.

Were fastened onto a large cone-shaped wicker framework for a dance costume called a tumbuan. Raffia is knotted into the bottom hoop for skirting and flowers, fruit and leaves added on for color and power at the time of the ceremony. Other masks are made only for display, most often in the men's Haus, to attract powerful and useful spirits.

Pre post weight - 1.3 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. This item is in the category "Antiques\Ethnographic\Pacific Islands & Oceania". The seller is "bubble_artefacts" and is located in this country: AU.

This item can be shipped worldwide.

  • Originating Region: Papua New Guinea
  • Material: Wood
  • Original/Reproduction: Original
  • Provenance: Keram River
  • Product Type: Carvings


Fine Old Ancestor Spirit Mask, Keram River, PNG, Papua New Guinea, Oceanic