Vintage Ancestral Mask Sepik River- Murik Lakes Region

Vintage Ancestral Mask Murik Lakes Region of Sepik River
Ancestral Mask from Murik Lakes region on the lower Sepik River along the coast of Papua New Guinea.
Materials: (mangrove wood, traces of pigment)
The Murik Lakes area a cluster of salt and freshwater lakes where the Sepik River meets the Bismark sea, in the lower Sepik River Region of Papua New Guinea. There are five villages at Murik Lakes which are situated on the coast, southeast of the regional capital of Wewak. The lakes are an intertidal environment with lagoons and mangrove swamps, and sandbanks between fresh water and the sea. Dozens of types of freshwater and saltwater fish inhabit the waters.
The Sepik is one of the most profuse and diverse art producing regions of the world. The numerous different tribes living along the river produce magnificent wood carvings, clay pottery and other art and craft. Different areas along the Sepik produce distinct art styles so an experience curator will be visually able to distinguish individual styles. The Sepik area is well known for its sculptures, masks, shields and other artifacts. Many tribes use garamut drums in rituals; the drums are formed from long, hollowed-out tree trunks carved into the shape of various totem animals.
Murik men have a distinctive carving style. Many ritual and household objects are made of carved wood, including canoes, paddles, house posts, male and female figures, masks, food pounders, plates, and betel mortars. Women weave twill-plaited baskets or bags of various sizes decorated with colored and raised designs.
Estate items may show wear and imperfections expected and consistent with age! Please bid accordingly All estate items are non returnable non refundable sold as-is where-is with no warranties expressed or implied.