Sepik Coastal Mask-Harry Franklin Collection-New Guinea Art-Oceanic Art
I love the elongated forehead on this mask with its stylized spider motif at the top. The circular eyes are deep set under an arched brow and darkly painted dots on the cheeks. The nostril on the loop nose is pierced as well as the ears with string and nassa shell attachments still attached. The mask comes from the Harry Franklin Collection. Along the inside edge is the number 1384T painted in white. The mask dates to the early 20th century, is 14 ½” (36.8 cm) in height and sells for $9500.