P.N.G. ? Masks

[Norman McCormick]

Hi,
Don't know much about these so any help would be great. Affectionately known as Bert and Ernie. Taller slimmer one 40 inches by 15 inches other one 28 inches by 17 inches.
Regards,
Norman.

P.S. I do have some bits of shell encrusted clay that have become detached from the masks that I need to reattach.

[Athanase]

I can only say that they are recent Papuan masks for the tourist market.
I'm not able to make the differences between the masks of different ethnic groups but for having seen many I really feel that they were not created for local and traditional use.

[Sajen]

Sepik? Itamul? I am not an expert by New Guinea but I know that "real" old masks are extremely expensive. Séverin is correct, there are many masks for the collector market to seen, look only at epray! ;)

Regards,
Detlef

[Norman McCormick]

Hi Guys,
Thanks for the replies, I guessed they were a decorative item rather than a tribally used artefact.
My Regards,
Norman.

[Sajen]

Thanks for the replies, I guessed they were a decorative item rather than a tribally used artefact.

Hello Norman,
Probably but tribal worked and when picture traditional work nothing wrong with them. Not "tribal" used but "tribal" crafted. ;) Just search a little bit by Mr. Google and see what you find. I am not informed enough to tell more.

Regards,
Detlef

[Norman McCormick]

Hi Detlef,
Thanks for your insight, I have the e-mail address of an Australian collector of P.N.G. items so I will get in touch with him and try to find out a bit more.
My Regards,
Norman.