Middle Sepik

ex Charles Mack, Usa

ex Budrose Coll., Usa

This is a very fine old dance costume from the middle Sepik village of Tumbuam.   

Of overal bell shape and constructed of cane this particular example has finely overmodeled faces, something you don't see in more recent examples.

With compelling expressions the costume would have been worn to greet strangers and assure that evil spirits stayed away.

Ca. 1940s - 50s

44"

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