9 - Masque Sepik, Papouasie Nouvelle-Guinée

Masque Sepik, Papouasie Nouvelle-Guinée Wood, shell H. 42 cm; W. 18 cm With a striking and almost supernatural presence, this mask stands out for the radical nature of its construction and the extreme concentration of its volumes. The face, enclosed within an oval shape with taut contours, is dominated by a long, beak-like nasal appendage—the true focal point of the composition—around which the circular eyes and powerful brow ridges are arranged. The small, serrated crest crowning the top of the head further accentuates its hybrid nature, halfway between a human figure and an animal spirit. This aesthetic, based on the fusion of anthropomorphic and zoomorphic elements, is particularly characteristic of the sculptural traditions of the Lower Sepik. The long, tapered noses may evoke a bird’s beak and are frequently associated with the depiction of powerful spirits. The traditions of Kopar, Angoram, Murik, and neighboring regions feature numerous variations on this formal language. The treatment of the face here reveals a stylized outline and meticulously crafted details. The rounded forehead clearly delineates the raised brow ridge, beneath which two eyes appear in recesses. The intensity and reach of the gaze are accentuated by the hollowed-out round pupils, whose outlines are highlighted by two white shells. The outlines are highlighted with red pigments. The nose, projecting like a blade—much like a bird’s beak—dives forward toward the chin. The mouth, with its thick, flattened lips, is rendered in slight relief. Provenance - Kirbi Kallas, Gallery Lewis Wara, Seattle, USA - Galerie Cécile Kerner, Brussels - Private collection, Brussels