This is a beautiful original Mindimbit hand carved Ancestral Mask from Papua New Guinea that was once part of an elaborate costume used during a initiation ceremony.

The mask was attached above the dancer's costume as a head on a body of rattan and raffia

(AS SEEN ON PHOTO 2) 

The eyes were not opened, as the dancer that wore it, was underneath it inside the body of rattan and could see thru the woven rattan in front of his face .

Mindimbit figures and masks are notable for the use of detailed chip carving accentuated with white lime paint. The designs are similar to the ones painted on participants in initiations, dances and other ceremonies.  The mask was displayed in the men’s house during debates and insured them protection from evil spirits hiding in the woods. They were also traditionally consulted for advice in times of famine and sickness.

This ancestral mask from Mindibit Village was hand carved out of one solid piece of wood and is meant to give identity to the tribe or clan as a recognized ancestor.  Natural Pigments. 18" x 6"

Mindimbit is a big, well-kept village on the Middle Sepik, near the junction with the Korosameri River.

All our Tribal Sepik river region carvings, from Papua New Guinea, were collected on the premises.

Carvings are always well made, in spite of the relatively crude implements including stone adzes and drills and the shark skin rasps and polishes which are used to produce works of carved delicate grace.

All our collector and rare items come with pages and pages of research about provenance, and with history of the tribes and photos as well, depending on item and whenever possible. When shipping internationally, we group ship multiple purchases to save you money, and find the best rates available. If you have any questions or want to see research conducted on this piece and photos of tribes, tell us.

We have artifacts and architectural accents up to 10 ft tall that we will put on upon request because shipping has to be calculated.