Post #584598 by Psycho Tiki D on Tue, Apr 12, 2011 12:12 PM

I have been scouring the internet trying to identify the pieces, but the last one I have been able to pinpoint to a PNG Dream Face Mask...here is one found that is similar to mine:

Description:

Dream Face Mask, Middle Sepik River, Papua New Guinea, Tambunum Village. The design for this mask came many years ago in a dream to a man who was a member of the Sago Clan. Eventually he allowed other clans to use his “mark” and so they can now made by all four clans in Tambunum. They generally include clan symbols on the forehead and/or chin. This remarkable mask shows two totemic animals, a bird of prey capturing a snake. Snakes are universally hated in New Guinea and so are not commonly depicted in the art. A beautifully carved mask with lots of incised detail. The places where they left the natural color of the wood gives this mask a stunning look. 30.75 inches tall.

Interesting the snake is universally hated in PNG. Not sure what the symbolism is on mine with a snake eating a frog?

Later,

PTD