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560 - Monumental Cassowary Oceanian Art Early 20th Century - Triba…
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Estimate €8,500 - €15,000
Sale commission
Description
Monumental Cassowary Oceanian Art Early 20th Century - Tribal Art Wicker, Woven Plant Fiber, Rattan. 192 x 110 cm. - Originally acquired by the traveler and explorer Rudi Caesar c. 1950-1970, ex-Rudi Caesar collection. This imposing mask represents a cassowary, a large bird native to Oceania, revered for its strength and aggression in the culture of Papua New Guinea. The mask has a lightweight structure made of woven plant fibers, possibly rattan or wicker, combined with natural pigments in black, ochre, and white tones. Its design includes a long, stylized neck and a head decorated with relief details, as well as tufts of plant fibre or feathers that accentuate its ritualistic appearance. The lower part is covered with hanging fibers, suggesting its use in dance ceremonies, in which the wearer moved in such a way that the mask simulated the presence and movement of the cassowary. This type of mask was worn attached to the body in community celebrations. Materials and Techniques - Base structure: Woven plant fibre, possibly rattan or wicker. - Decoration: Natural pigments (clay, charcoal, lime). - Head details: Tufts of natural fibre or feathers. - Fastening elements: Braided plant fibre cords. In the tribal societies of the Sepik region, the cassowary is a symbol of power and mysticism. This bird is believed to have a strong connection with ancestors and forest spirits, and is therefore incorporated into rituals of protection, initiation, and fertility. This mask may have been used in shamanic rituals or rites of passage, in which young people were initiated into adulthood through dances and symbolic trials. The use of animal masks in Papua New Guinea is a deeply rooted tradition, linked to the representation of totems and the connection with the spiritual world. In particular, cassowary masks may be associated with creation myths and the transmission of knowledge within the community.
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About the sale GRAND JUNE AUCTION HAUTE EPOQUE EUROPEAN AND COLONIAL FINE ART
Auction location
Auction time 06/17/2026 at 3:00 PM
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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