Small Ancestor Mask

A very small ancestor mask with nicely incised motifs on the forehead. These minute masks were often attached to the outside of the bag in which, the Big Men carried their daily belongings.
Murik Lakes, Lower Sepik, PNG, Melanesia. Wood with a patina of age and wear. 19/20th century. 12 x 5,5 cm. An old ink inscription with the number “1289” is written twice on the reverse.
 

Provenance Provenance:
Ex Nelly Van Abeele, Amsterdam
Christies Amsterdam 6/12/1999, part of lot 427.
Michael Hamson, Santa Barbara;
Coll. Lunshof, Paris/Amsterdam