Lot #9041 - A Superb Old Pair of Micronesian of Male and Female Tapuanu Masks from Mortlock Island, Federated States of Micronesia, Early 20th Century
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Auction House:Theodore Bruce
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Sale Name:Timed Online Auction | The Todd Barlin Collection of Oceanic African & Asian Art
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Sale Date:05 Dec 2022 ~ 6pm (AEDT)
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Lot #:9041
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Lot Description:A Superb Old Pair of Micronesian of Male and Female Tapuanu Masks from Mortlock Island, Federated States of Micronesia, Early 20th Century
both on custom stands. These beautifully carved masks in the Micronesian minimalist style are a rare original male & female pair.
H 32 - 42 cm -
Provenance:The Todd Barlin Collection of Oceanic Art
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Notes:Masks are rare in Micronesia - traditionally they are only found in the Mortlock group of islands. This typical example is made of breadfruit wood painted white using lime and black using soot. The mask has narrow eye-slits, such masks represented an ancestor and they were used as ornaments in the ceremonial house and sometimes in boat houses. The ceremonial house was the location of performances by members of a secret society, in which the god of wind was appeased to protect the breadfruit crops from hurricanes and storms. The ceremony took place in March or April, and included dancing and feasting. This Mask was from the early Japanese Colonial Period circa 1920-1930
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Estimate:A$1,800 - 2,500
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Realised Price:
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Category:Tribal
This Sale has been held and this item is no longer available. Details are provided for information purposes only.
