Antique Indonesian Shaman Mask

Antique Indonesian Shaman Mask
26 x 19 x 10 cm (10 x 7.5 x 4 inches)

A really superb 19^th century Indonesian Shaman Mask with a strong three-dimensional sculptural form, and interesting features including carved teeth, lips and ears.  It has a scary and powerful presence, and there is clear evidence of ceremonial or ritual usage…possibly including machete slashes to the forehead, one of which has taken a thin slice out, although not to the detriment of the piece.  It is carved from a dense hardwood, and partly smoke-blackened from being stored in the open roof of a house or barn.  It has a lovely old patina and is in excellent condition.

This wonderful old mask was purchased from an antique dealer in Indonesia in the late 1980s and is believed to have come from the Dayak people of Kalimantan (Borneo).  It is one of our personal favourites.