Q: This came out of a private collection in Illinois. It’s very lite weight measuring 8.5” X 4.5” not including the feathers. Polychrome cedar ceremonial shaman’s mask from the Inuit. I’m a collector. Would you know the age of this and what type of mask is it? It appears to have been used several times in a ceremony of sort. PJ, 1590
A: I do not recognize this at all. Since I am not an expert on any of the Arctic cultures, let’s hope that one of our viewers will make a helpful comment.
PJ, since you and the seller both specialize in these kinds of artifacts, perhaps you could share a little more information with our viewers. You can use the comment box or email me.
3 Comments
Monica
I saw a similar mask on Catawiki that was introduced as Lega mask.
https://assets.catawiki.nl/assets/2019/6/17/9/0/d/90d83cab-5894-48fe-9e4a-8dd1c352c211.jpg
DUBOIS Marc
As Monica feels, It probably comes from the RDC (République Démocratique du Congo -Kinshasa) but its shape is more PENDE than LEGA
Marc
Bob Ibold
Very similar indeed. Surprises like this sometimes happen. I would bet (a small amount) the one I blogged is Native American.