Ritual Mask
Keram or Pora Pora Rivers, Papua New Guinea
Wood, feathers, pigment
Early/mid 20th Century
Ex Kirby Lewis, Ex Paul Harris Collection
14x9 in/35.5x23 cm SOLD
The Keram and Pora Pora Rivers are tributaries of the Sepik. Almost nothing is known about this kind of mask but its vigor and strength are plain to see. Anthony Meyer's two volume set, page 215, fig. # 224, has the closest thing one will find as an example. The feathers have been added as a sensitive and appropriate restoration since the mask came to the United States, and were sourced from the zoo. A mask with great artistic merit.