Striking Old Gable Mask - Middle Sepik Papua New Guinea 1950's

A powerful Middle Sepik gable mask from Papua New Guinea collected pre 1960. Carved from wood and distinguished by its bold sculptural presence and dense surface decoration. The face is heavily engraved across the cheeks, nose, and forehead with complex incised patterns, creating strong textural contrast and visual depth. Prominent cowrie shell inlay forms the eyes, lending the mask an arresting, animated expression.The ears are pierced, as is the septum, indicating the original presence of attachments such as fibre, bone, or shell ornaments, now absent. A carved lug at the crown of the mask was designed for suspension, consistent with its use as a gable ornament affixed to ceremonial or spirit houses along the Sepik River.Some of one of the shell eye is missing. It measures 28cm in height. Registered Post within Australia will cost $11.15AU. Standard Tracked Airmail to the US will be $42.20AU and anywhere in Europe $48.30AU