Kanak Mask-Melanesian Art-Oceanic Tribal Art
This old Kanak mask from New Caledonia has wonderful volumes that are surprisingly hard to capture on film with its glossy black surface. These masks were made to personify important chiefs. The wooden face was just one part of a large dance costume with human hair and feathers. This one was part of the Pons Collection in the south of France where it had been in the family over 50 years prior to being purchased by Galerie Flak in Paris. In 2005/6 it was acquired by Paula Rubel and Abraham Rosman of New York. The mask dates to the late 19th century, is 8 1/8” (20.5 cm) in height.