BOIKEN DANCE MASK

Important Aboriginal + Oceanic Art
Melbourne
14 October 2009
192

Oceanic Artefacts

Coastal Yangoru Boiken People, Prince Alexander Mountains, East Sepik Province, Papua New Guinea, Mid 20th century
BOIKEN DANCE MASK

a variation of the Brag Mask, with the nose curving down instead of straight out, painted for ceremony with red and black earth pigments. Scooped surface to the rear of the mask and original bite stick still attached. The perimeter pierced overall for attachments with evidence of ceremonial use. Probably attached to the Tumbuan costume for a ceremony that takes place every ten to fifteen years.

61.0 cm length

Estimate: 
$1,000 - 2,000
Sold for $840 (inc. BP) in Auction 11 - 14 October 2009, Melbourne
Provenance

The Paulian Association Collection
Private collection, Melbourne