RAMU River region, PAPUA NEW GUINEA - Lot 80

RAMU River region, PAPUA NEW GUINEA Small pendant mask featuring a face whose nose extends into a bird's beak. The eyes are framed by a heart-shaped motif and the closed mouth is sculpted in relief. Wood, remains of red and white ochre pigments, old wear marks. Dimensions: 10.5 × 6 cm This small mask from Lake Murik takes up, on a reduced scale, the features of the large Brag masks, feared spirits who intervened during male initiations. They symbolized the devouring and rebirth of novices into adults. By virtue of its size and portability, this piece appears to be a singular transposition of these major effigies, condensing their power in a protective object designed to accompany man on his ritual and daily journey.