Papua New Guinea, Population Iatmul - Lot 93

Papua New Guinea, Population Iatmul house front mask, Papua New Guinea. Giant wickerwork mask with rattan rattan core, shell eyes (cowries) and natural pigmentation on a clay cover. 113.5 cm high. The mask is a round anthropomorphic face with a protruding nose continued upward by a central central ridge. The forehead is raised to resemble a tiara, the purpose of which is to conceal the The forehead is raised like a tiara to conceal the fastening system, while at the same time directing the mask downwards when hung (plunging gaze effect). The eyes are highlighted by a cowrie shell pupil and raised eye sockets. The same goes for the smiling mouth. Finally, the chin is exaggeratedly prolonged, evoking an atrophied bust (this play on volume also recalls the Yena sculptures of the Kwoma people, neighbors of the Iatmul). The paint applied to the mask draws concentric black circles around the eyes on a white background. Red lines appear to reinforce the visual impact. The mouth, nose and central bridge are outlined in black. The elongated chin is adorned with a repeated pattern of black half-ellipses surrounded by red. The overall ornamental and chromatic features are characteristic of Iatmul art. This facade mask is placed on one of the entrances to a house (family or community residence). community residence). The house is interpreted as a female body, and the mask turns the façade into a face. The purpose of such a mask is to provide protection for members of the household. Iatmul art, graphically powerful, is brilliantly represented by this piece. The art of the sophistication in Papua, of which this mask is an excellent example in a remarkable state of preservation. in a remarkable state of preservation. Expert : Nicolas Corigliano - Cabinet Corail & Mana Selected bibliography : Myth & Magic. Art of the Sepik River, Papua New Guinea, Crispin HOWARTH, NGA, 2015 ; pp. 132- 133 Sepik. Art of Papua New Guinea, Philippe PELTIER (ed.), Musée du Quai Branly & Skira, 2015 ; p. 158 Corpus for reconciliation : Humboldt Forum (Berlin), inv. VI 47852