Vintage Sepik River Papua New Guinea Shell Mask With Cowries and Pig Tusk

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This striking vintage Sepik River mask from Papua New Guinea features classic Middle Sepik artistry with an elongated carved form, … Read more This striking vintage Sepik River mask from Papua New Guinea features classic Middle Sepik artistry with an elongated carved form, painted ochre surface, and dramatic borders of hand-applied cowrie and nassa shells. A carved and shell-covered central ridge descends to a stylized lower extension that incorporates a fragment of pig tusk—an element traditionally associated with prestige and clan identity in Sepik culture.
The mask retains its original collector’s tag (“New Guinea – Sepik River – 292”) and an interior chalk inventory marking (“K120”), indicating it once belonged to a mid-20th-century private or institutional collection. These details, along with the natural paint wear and fiber hanging loop, strongly suggest a 1960–1980 creation date.
At 36 inches tall, this is a powerful decorative piece—immediately eye-catching on a gallery wall, loft, entryway, stairwell, or over a console. The warm natural pigments, shell textures, and sculptural profile make it especially appealing for interiors styled in organic modern, artisan global, coastal, Wabi-Sabi, lodge, or collected-eclectic aesthetics.
A compelling example of traditional Sepik carving with excellent visual presence.

Organic Modern, Wabi Sabi, Global Luxury, Coastal Modern, Natural Materials, Sculptural Wall Art, Artisan Crafted, Textural Accent, Statement Decor See less