Sepik Mask, Papua New Guinea | Large | SKU: M606
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One-of-a-kind piece
Ethically sourced across Africa
Carefully packed, ships from NYC
Family gallery since 1975
Pickup available at Hemingway African Gallery
Usually ready in 1 hour
Sepik Mask, Papua New Guinea | Large | SKU: M606
Hemingway African Gallery
88 Leonard St.
New York NY 10013
United States
This is a decorative contemporary piece.
All Masks |
All Decorative Art |
Sepik Mask from {apua New Guinea Description of Significance
Masks from the Sepik River region of Papua New Guinea are among the most varied in the world, ranging from tiny amulet masks only a few centimeters high to towering forms more than a meter tall. Not all were made to be worn: some are danced on the face or head during ceremonies, while others were created purely for display or built into larger ritual assemblages. Smaller masks serve to empower and adorn sacred things and places — the bodies of sacred flutes, the prows of canoes, and the men's ceremonial house (haus tambaran) — and may also act as protective amulets attached to people, valued possessions, or even prized yams. They are typically carved or constructed from wood, fiber, and other natural materials and finished with shell, pigment, and similar embellishments.
Far from being decorative in the Western sense, such masks are understood as vessels of spiritual power. Only men may wear them, and only those initiated into the particular cult that produces a given mask; women are forbidden to see the masks or to enter the men's house where they are kept hidden. When an initiate dons a mask he is transformed, becoming the spirit (tumbuan) that the mask embodies — a transformation that lies at the very heart of the mask's purpose. These traditions are not relics of the past: masks like this remain in active use today, emerging to dance on important ceremonial occasions.
Country of Origin
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Hand carved in Papua New Guinea
Dimensions (inches)
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Depth: 5"
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Width: 13"
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Height: 35"
Sustainable Materials
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Indigenous wood
- Paint and clay pigment
- Shells
- Grass
- Feathers
Display
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Wall Hanging: the mask includes a wire installed on the back for easy wall hanging.
Shipping
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Subsidized FedEx Ground Shipping: $45
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Smaller pieces are shipped via FedEx Ground in a secure box, with careful packaging to ensure safe delivery. To make fine art shipping more affordable, we subsidize part of the cost.
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Each shipment includes a declared value, requiring a signature upon delivery for added security.
Hemingway Gallery carefully selects pieces from artists and collectors whose work aligns with our historical and aesthetic standards. This includes newly created artworks that are actively used in ceremonies, which we deeply value despite their lack of age or antiquity. We recognize these as authentic expressions of artistic and cultural heritage, rather than mere tourist trade items.
Our collection also features works by skilled artisans who create fine art inspired by historic styles, as well as contemporary African pieces that may not fit traditional perceptions of ‘African’ art. We celebrate the evolving aesthetics of the continent, striving to showcase design that moves beyond the conventional ‘tribal’ label, reflecting the innovation and creativity of emerging artists.
Our pricing reflects the asking prices set by the artists, artisans, and art dealers in the African countries where we collect, as well as the real costs of responsibly importing their work to the United States. We are committed to challenging the outdated notion that fine art from Africa should be undervalued. Paying artists fairly is our highest priority, and our pricing is structured to honor their skill, labor, and cultural contribution.
We ship around the world! Our website cannot process automatic international shipping rates. Please contact us directly for custom shipping quotes outside the continental U.S.A., (including Hawaii and Alaska).
Free shipping often means the cost is hidden in the product price, a common tactic that can mislead buyers. In fine art, transparency matters—buyers shouldn’t pay for shipping they don’t use. That’s why our pricing is straightforward, without hidden fees, ensuring fairness whether you pick up your art or have it shipped.
Please email us at info@hemingwayafricangallery.com or call 212-838-3650 with the SKU # for further information about this specific piece.
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