RARE AND IMPORTANT VANUATU WOODEN MASK. EARLY 20TH C.
Originating from either Vao Island or Atchin Island in northern Malekula, offered is a rare hardwood dance mask that is painted in a striking opposing manner of red and blue native pigments. The blue pigment is an early trade pigment called "Ricketts blue" that was widely traded with the inhabitants of Vanuatu by European trade merchants in the late 19th to early 20th century. The red/orange pigment appears to be an ochre pigment. In addition to the blue and red pigments, there are remains of a native black pigment used to highlight the eyes and cheeks. This rare form of elongated mask measures 17 1/2 inches (44.5 cm.) in height and is rendered from a dark hardwood. The lower portion of the mask has a more pronounced glossy patina indicating that the mask was handled and danced numerous times. The mask was purchased from an important Eastern European collection of Vanuatu artifacts and was in the field prior to 1953. The mask likely dates from 1920-1940.
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