Stunning Tribal Used Large Tatanua Spirit Mask, Kavieng, PNG, Papua New Guinea

To see more fine oceanic artefacts. Field collected, this is a stunning large rare 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 particular tribal used piece has a old page from a bible (in pidgin) hidden within the helmet (see last 2 photos). 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. 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 1.2 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 "Stunning Tribal Used Large Tatanua Spirit Mask, Kavieng, PNG, Papua New Guinea" is in sale since Saturday, October 5, 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