Oceanic Papua New Guinea Sepik/Ramu River Mask......(circa 1940s - 50s)

Description

A nice, handsome PNG Ramu mask....made in the mid 20th century (1940s/50s).
This mask was probably used by an elder (a story teller's mask) to impart traditional folklore/knowledge to young boys, or, used in some mid 20th century ceremonial/dance/performance context -- perhaps, to entertain tourists....Although bereft of holes, the mask's inside shows good natural patina - especially, in the regions that would've made contact with the wearer's forehead, nose, mouth and temples. Evidently, the wearer would've just pressed the mask to his face via holding the lower portion.
The maker of this specimen had done a good job in conforming to the traditional style/s of ancestral portraiture sculpting (the typical elongated face; pierced septum; large "alien" eyes..etc..etc).
*Note the glossy surface (reddish/brown) finish on this mask- this is due to the chemical compounds of  trade western commercial enamel paint - the same kind that the American artist Jackson Pollock (and other painters) had used in a number of their masterpieces, in the 1950s......Also, note the remnants of the whitish lime around the edges of the "alien" eyes.
Measurements: Full length - 14 inches     Width - approximately 6 inches (just the right size to fit on the face of a Sepik/Ramu man  - who generally have smaller crania than westerners)
The large crack in the mask's lower region is not an age crack, but just a natural defect of the wood. Overall, this mask is in very good solid condition.....and, looks much, much better in person!
This is a good traditional Ramu river mask from the mid 20th cent.
***Metal stand in NOT included.
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Best,
Rez