Papuan Gulf Mask-Jolika Collection-Ciolkowska Collection-Oceanic Art
I love the delicacy of this old Papuan Gulf mask from the Parisian dealer and collector Mary-Ange Ciolkowska in the 1950s and then the Jolika Collection of Marcia and John Friede. It has both a haunting and ephemeral quality to it. It is a layer of coconut fiber stretched across a lattice of bent cane or vine. The mouth and eyes are rolled tapa. The piece dates to the late 19th century, is 11 ¾” (29.6 cm) in height.