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Oct 13, 2026NL

A fine spirit mask for ritual play Java - East Java...

Offered for auction is an unusual painted coconut shell mask from East Java, Indonesia. The mask is made from a naturally rounded coconut shell, which has been cleverly incorporated into the shape and expression of the face. The upper part is predominantly painted green, with areas of black and cream pigment. Two small pierced eyes are surrounded by roughly circular cream-colored painted rings, giving the face a striking, almost staring expression. A broad black area covers much of the middle and lower part of the face. The natural projecting form of the coconut creates the nose, while a small mouth at the lower edge is accentuated with traces of red pigment. The painted surface shows considerable wear and age, with the different layers and colors creating a very attractive old patina. The simplicity of the face, with its staring eyes, dark lower half and small red mouth, gives the mask a strong and somewhat mysterious expression. It was probably used in a local ritual performance, traditional play or festive ceremony, although its precise function is unknown. I prefer not to attribute it to a particular ritual or character without further evidence. Origin: East Java, Indonesia. Material: coconut shell and pigments. Condition: good old condition with considerable wear to the original painted surface, consistent with age and use. An intriguing and highly decorative example of Indonesian folk and ritual art with good field provenance. Will be packed with care, sending worlwide ADRIAAN VAN DIS besprak mijn beide boeken, dus ook het recente ‘Ik droomde dat je kwam’ Een prachtig en meeslepend boek vol verhalen over Papua, met een bijzondere mix van avontuur, cultuur en persoonlijke ontmoetingen. De auteur neemt je mee van Raja Ampat tot de Asmat, van Yapen tot de Vogelkop, in een warme en levendige vertelstijl. Inclusief fotokatern van Roy Villevoye. Prijs: €22,95 Gesigneerd exemplaar Kan worden meegezonden met de verzending, dus geen extra verzendkosten. Wordt het niet meegezonden, dan komt er €4,- bij.

Estimate:£1.68

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A fine spirit mask for ritual play Java - East Java...

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£1.68

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