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An old Garra Hook Mask from Mid-Sepik Papua New Guinea

Offered by: Tishu

Description
Garra hook mask
Wood, red ochre and white/black pipe clay paint.
Height 28". Base is 8" x 8".
From Bahinemo People, Hustein Mountains, Mid-Sepik River

Bahinemo people from Hustein Mountains on the south end of the Mid Sepik River region created two types of hook mask called Garra. These masks are not meant to be worn. The second type, as this one belongs to, has an oval shape with a stylized face in he center and opposing sets of hooks above and below the face. The figure retains white, black and red ochre like pigment throughout. The Garra represents bush spirits and older men and is traditionally carried by the male dancer in the initiation ceremonies or otherwise hung on the rafters in the man’s house. The handle of this Garra mask was broken off suggesting its history of ritual usage.

More Information

Origin:	United States
Period:	1920-1949
Materials:	wood ochre pigment
Condition:	Good. as shown
Creation Date:	first quarter of 20th century
Styles / Movements:	Tribal, Oceanic
Incollect Reference #:	208950

Dimensions

W.	12 in;	H.	32 in;	D.	6 in;	H.2.	28 in;
W.	30.48 cm;	H.	81.28 cm;	D.	15.24 cm;	H.2.	71.12 cm;

Message from Seller:

Our collection ranges from Neolithic Art to 20th century collectible art and design. It spans 5000 thousand years of history and crosses many civilizations and cultures. Our aesthetic strongholds are Mid-century studio design, Japanese and Korean art, Asian Textile Art and Contemporary Aboriginal Art. The diversity is united behind our singular vision to seek for timeless beauty and driven purely by our passion

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