Flute mask

This rare mask features a stylized human face, set in a series of interlocking, symmetrically curved hooks. The eyes are represented by two peduncles, the nose is straight and pierced, and the mouth is small. According to John Friede 1 (2005. Vol1, page 152. Vol2, n°128), this type of mask, with its curved hooks, similar and comparable to the faces of the Romkun anthropomorphic sculptures of the Rao, was attached by means of fiber, at each end in the form of a button, to long bamboo tubes up to 4 meters long, used to modify the voice. This voice modification created the illusion that the sound emanated from supernatural entities. This type of sacred instrument was played during initiation rites ____
1- Friede, New Guinea Art. Masterpieces from de Jolika Collection of Marcia and John Friede, 2005: 152, fig.128 (vol.I), 102, n°128 (vol.II), exhibition catalog, De Young, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, October 2005)

Price: €7,800