Sepik River Spirit Mask New Guinea

Masks such as this were used in men's houses where they would live or hold secret societal meetings. Masks such as this were attached to house posts or were placed on panels over entrances. Showing a human face, the mask carries symbolic forms including the prominent crocodiles at the sides with a figure spread across the crown of the mask with smaller animal forms at either side. The eyes are shaped as tubular forms to enhance their visual presentation on either side of the prominent nose flanked by ears. Markings along the side of the jaw most likely represent a male beard while the markings below it present decorative patterns often found on Sepik River masks. The well-worn surface shows remains of local pigments made from natural sources that are water soluble and therefore only minimally visible. Masks from this region, possibly the Ablam area, are carved out of softwood and therefore subject to showing wear and age. This could be a classic example from this region of New Guinea.