Papua New Guinea "Yam" Turtle Shell and Clay Mask

Item Details

Ceramic

A Papua New Guinea turtle shell Yam mask. The mask is constructed from a turtle shell with clay over-modeling, the tribal scarification painted on in brown, black and red finish. The face is adorned with cowrie shell embellishments, bordered with a ring of woven plant fibers. The mask is unmarked.

Condition

- significant visible cracks and chips to clay, with glued repairs throughout; wear and disintegration to fibers at edges; mask is missing shells to face; stains and discoloration present; overall wear and scuffs to both front and verso.

Dimensions

Item #

18BAL053-618