3363-004
Offered for sale is an impressive 42-inch ancestral spirit mask (Sevi) from the Middle Sepik River region of Papua New Guinea, acquired directly from the Ron Perry Arizona Room collection. Created by the Iatmul people, these powerful carvings represent protective ancestral spirits and were traditionally displayed inside the Haus Tambaran (the village men’s spirit house) to safeguard the community and attract helpful entities.
This large, powerful example is hand-carved from indigenous hardwood, framed with a tightly woven cane rim, and features a prominent sacred crocodile totem merging from the mouth area. It is richly decorated with concentric eye motifs, native carvings, and traditional natural earth pigments. Notably, the reverse side of the mask is signed by the artist, Ven Ups, from the Artifacts Supermarket at Tambunum Village.
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, striking tribal aesthetics, and authentic character, making it an exceptional addition to any collection of Oceanic, ethnographic, or tribal art.
Item Details:
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Object: Ancestral Spirit Mask (Sevi / Savi)
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Culture: Iatmul
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Artist: Ven Ups
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Village: Tambunum Village
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Region: Middle Sepik River, Papua New Guinea
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Period: Mid to Late 20th Century
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Dimensions: 42" H × 17.5" W × 9" D
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Materials: Indigenous hardwood, natural earth pigments (ochre, lime, charcoal), and woven cane/plant fiber bast
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Markings: Signed on reverse by artist
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Provenance: Acquired directly from the Ron Perry Arizona Room collection
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Condition Note: This piece exhibits authentic, stable aging, beautiful native patination, and minor fiber wear consistent with age and/or traditional display. 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.
