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Catalogue number: 5600
P.N. Guinea, a fine, old Rao mro-fi spirit mask,
the hollowed almond shaped face in red, white and black pigments. Along the periphery on both sides four holes. These masks are attached to voice-modifying bamboos in use during male initiation rites and deaths of adult males and females. The present item shows a channeled reverse for adjustment to the bamboo tube. Ref.: Smidt, Dirk 2007, 'Mro-fi: The Rao Spirit Mask and its voice as the Essence of Life, Middle Ramu, Papua New Guinea'' in Stevenson & Lee Webb: Re-presenting Pacific Art, pp. 121-160
L. 58 cm.
Provenance: Old Dutch collection. Unkown provenance, possibly M.L. Lemaire, early 1970's, where he was known to purchace objects.
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Hammer price: € 1,800
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