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Hôtel des Ventes de Troyes

54 - Ramu River cephalomorph mask, Papua New Guinea Materials: Wo…
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Estimate €500 - €800
Sale commission
Description
Ramu River cephalomorph mask, Papua New Guinea Materials: Wood and natural pigments. Base included (gallery condition). Provenance: Former Guy Seghers collection (Belgium). Collected in Papua New Guinea Guinea between 1970 and 1980 during scientific missions linked to the Leopold III Biological Station on Laing Island. Leopold III Biological Station on Laing Island. Archives and period photographs preserved. Collection reference Ref,A36. Dimensions : H. 31 cm (43 cm with its stand) This cephalomorph mask from the Ramu river is characterised by the extraordinary sobriety of its composition. The elongated face is dominated by a powerful nose sculpted in volume, wide eyebrows and deep-set eyes that reinforce the intensity of the gaze. The The denticulated border that frames the face and the small protrusion at the top further accentuate the singular character of this work, whose strength lies more in the balance of the forms than on the abundance of decoration. The surface has a beautiful old patina, nourished by time and successive handling. handling. The volumes remain particularly legible and retain all their vigour, while the natural wear of the relief and traces of old pigments bear witness to a long history. history. As a whole, it exudes the silent, powerful presence typical of the great sculptures from the Ramu region. With its formal simplicity, elegant proportions and extreme mastery of volume, this mask evokes some of the most daring research in modern sculpture of the of the twentieth century. Like many of the major works from Papua New Guinea, it demonstrates that the most essential forms can sometimes produce the most powerful visual effects. This combination of abstraction, expressiveness and antiquity gives the object an aesthetic quality that goes far beyond its context of origin. aesthetic quality that goes far beyond its original context, and explains the constant interest shown in it by interest from collectors and lovers of primitive art.
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About the sale ARTS OF AFRICA & OCEANIA: Three exceptional family collections
Auction location
Auction time 06/22/2026 at 2:00 PM
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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