Extraordinary Murik Lakes Mask - SOLD
Murik Lakes, Coastal Sepik River region,
Papua New Guinea
19th Century
Height: 11 1/4”
Provenance: Field collected in the Murik Lakes region in 1936 by Louis Pierre Ledoux, Lincoln Park, NJ. Rene d’ Harnoncourt, NY, acquired as a gift in 1945 from Louis Ledoux. By descent to Ann d’Harnoncourt, Philadelphia
Published: The Museum of Primitive Art, Two Private Collections: Gertrud A. Mellon and René d’Harnoncourt, New York, 1965, n.p., cat. no. 64 (listed)
Exhibited: The Museum of Modern Art, New York, Art of the South Seas, January 29 – May 19, 1946.
The Museum of Primitive Art, New York, Two Private Collections: Gertrud A. Mellon and René d’Harnoncourt, November 29, 1965 – February 11, 1966
This is a remarkable and deeply expressive Murik Lakes mask, boasting a distinguished provenance and an illustrious exhibition history. Its significance is heightened by its early acquisition in the 1900s by Louis Ledoux, followed by its ownership by Rene d’Harnoncourt, the former director of The Museum of Modern Art in New York. Furthermore, it gained exposure at the historic and momentous 1946 exhibition “Art of the South Seas,” organized by d’Harnoncourt. Carved meticulously without the use of metal tools, this ancient mask stands as a true archetype. The visage exudes a commanding presence, created with exceptional precision and symmetry. Notably, the mask features perforations around the rim for attachment, along with a pierced septum, which are crucial characteristics in Oceanic art. The patina adorning this mask tells the tale of generations of use, having an encrusted and aged surface and patina. Astonishingly, the original red ochre pigment still blankets the surface in excellent condition.