Vintage Handmade 1970s Papua New Guinea Folk Art Hanging Mask Inlaid Seashells

This is a Good++ Condition Vintage Handmade, Hand Carved, bought in the 1970s at Papua New Guinea Folk Art Hanging Mask Inlaid with Seashells. The missing and damaged parts are shown in the last two pics. It is about 20.75" (52.7 cm) Long and 7.25" (18.4 cm) Wide at the widest point. There is a hole carved at the top to allow it to be hung many different ways.

Masks in Papua New Guinea culture are created to provide protection, from dangerous invisible forces and marauding evil spirits. Conversely, the masks also represent (are imbued with) other invisible forces - like tribal ancestors and clan spirits.

Many masks are designed, not to be worn, but are mounted in houses and on house gables. Dance masks are used in traditional dancing and performances of cultural rites, and special masks to decorate large yams unearthed during harvest and displayed during the Yam Festival. International First Class is the least expensive, but also is the least dependable. In contrast, I have been able to insure First Class Parcels to both Argentina and Switzerland.

I do not personally insure anything. Add a map to your own listings.

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