(CH 142) Lower Sepik Mask.

Of hollowed oval form, pierced around the rim and through the avian nose.
The eyes are painted with white pigment and a deep red pigment overall.
Most likely carved with non-metal tools.
Old label to reverse; 'Mask British New Guinea 451'. This mask comes from the Lower Sepik River area which was never part of the British New Guinea territory which ended in 1906. Such confusion in attribution was common place for Museums in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Ex- William Rosenburg Collection, NewYork.

Height 42 Cm.
Custom Mounted.

Reference:
Sotheby's 'African, Oceanic & Pre-Columbian Art' November 18th 2000, New York. Lot no. 16 with photograph of this piece.