3363-001
Offered for sale is an impressive 51-inch ancestral spirit mask from the Middle Sepik River region of Papua New Guinea, acquired directly from the Ron Perry Arizona Room collection.
Known as a Mei, Mwai, or Tumbuna mask, these ceremonial carvings were created by the Iatmul people and represent ancestral spirits used in traditional ritual and ceremonial practices. This large example is hand-carved from indigenous hardwood and decorated with woven cane, natural pigments, plant fiber, and cassowary feathers.
The mask was field-collected by Ron Perry, a globally renowned expert and one of the most respected Pacific tribal art authorities of the 20th century. Beginning his expeditions in 1964, Perry spent over 40 years traveling by canoe up remote waterways and trekking unmapped terrains to collect authentic pieces directly from traditional clans. His credibility in the field is unmatched: following Papua New Guinea's independence in 1975, the PNG National Cultural Council appointed him to manage Village Arts, their government-run indigenous artifact center.
This is an outstanding display piece with excellent scale and authentic character, making it an exceptional addition to any collection of Oceanic, ethnographic, or tribal art.
Item Details:
Object: Ancestral Spirit (Tumbuna / Mei) Ceremonial Mask
Culture: Iatmul
Village: Tambanum Village
Region: Middle Sepik River, Papua New Guinea
Period: Mid to Late 20th Century
Dimensions: 51" H × 18" W × 10" D (130 × 46 × 26 cm)
Materials: Indigenous hardwood, woven cane, natural pigments, plant fiber, and cassowary feathers
Provenance: Acquired directly from the Ron Perry Arizona Room collection
Condition Note:
This piece exhibits authentic, stable aging, beautiful native patination, and fiber wear consistent with age and/or traditional use. Please review all photographs carefully, as they are an important part of the description.
This is available for local pick-up. Shipping can be available for this item. Please contact us for a custom quote or to make arrangements.
