Sepik Mask
Ceremonial mask, Mai, Mwai
Iatmul People, East Sepik Region, Papua New Guinea
Wood, pigment
Height: 43 cm, width: 13 cm
Collected ca. 1950, Dutch family
This Mai (also known as Mwai) mask comes from the Iatmul People of the Sepik River Region in Papua New Guinea. Carved from wood and painted with natural brown, black, and white pigments. The mask is distinguished by its elongated face and long nose,
Mai/Mwai masks played a vital role in ceremonial festivals, in quartets of paired brothers and sisters. These performances honored mythical ancestors.
€ 950
