Indonesian Animal Spirit Mask with Crowned Figure
Indonesian Animal Spirit Mask with Crowned Figure
★★★★★ Rated 4.9/5 by collectors
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Specifications for the Indonesian Mask
- Artist: Unknown
- Origin: Indonesia, Papuan Sepik-influenced carving tradition
- Material: Hand carved wood with polychrome paint
- Form: Face mask with carved animal figure integrated into crown and nose ridge
- Features: Concentric ring eyes with drilled vision holes. Cheeks painted with multicolor triangle fields. Lower rim incised with zigzag jaw motif. Suspension hole with cord at the top
- Interior: Hollowed with adze and gouge tool marks. Retains small maker label “Made in Indonesia”
- Patina: 3 on our 1–5 scale. Honest surface wear with layered pigments and toning
Indonesian Mask Description
Bold face mask with a four-legged animal perched at the crown. The creature leans forward with a long yellow ridge element projecting down the center, tipped in turquoise, which gives the surreal impression that the animal is “smoking a pipe.” This unusual feature sets the carving apart from standard Indonesian workshop masks.
The large concentric ring eyes with drilled centers function as vision holes. Geometric cheek panels carry triangle fields in red, white, turquoise, and ochre. The lower edge is incised with a jagged jaw motif. Paint layers combine a dark ground and red undertone with turquoise, yellow, and white accents. Handling has produced layered patina rated 3. Interior tool marks confirm block hollowing, and a “Made in Indonesia” label ties the piece to mid–late 20th century production. Original top cord makes it ready for display.
Cultural Background
Face masks in Indonesian Papua adapt visual languages of New Guinea spirit imagery. Figures perched on the crown serve as guardian or totemic presences. Elongated nose ridges and ring eyes derive from Sepik-area traditions but were widely incorporated into Indonesian workshop carving for both ritual and collector circulation.
This mask reflects that crossover — it is performance capable with drilled vision holes, yet finished in a palette and surface style consistent with art market production. The unusual “pipe-like” projection is a distinctive workshop variant within this shared tradition.
Key Highlights
- Indonesian Papuan face mask with four-legged animal perched on crown
- Unusual central ridge that gives the impression of the animal smoking a pipe
- Concentric ring eyes with drilled vision holes
- Cheek panels decorated with multicolor triangles
- Zigzag incised motif along the lower rim
- Layered polychrome surface with patina 3
- Hand-hollowed interior with “Made in Indonesia” label
Display and Care
- Indoor display recommended
- Dust gently with a soft dry brush
- Avoid direct sunlight and high humidity
Attribution and Condition
Attributed to Indonesian Papuan Sepik-influenced workshop carving. The face mask form, crown animal, concentric ring eyes, and bold polychrome palette are consistent with mid to late 20th century production. Surface shows natural handling wear and patina. Interior bears “Made in Indonesia” label. See photos for exact condition.
Related Collections
Explore more pieces like this in our masks collection and our folk art collection.
FAQ
Is this an Indonesian mask? Yes. The carving style and interior label confirm Indonesian workshop origin with Sepik influence.
Why does it look like the animal is smoking a pipe? The long carved ridge projecting from the animal’s mouth is part of the design. With its painted yellow shaft and turquoise tip, it gives the impression of a pipe, adding a distinctive and surreal character.
