RARE AND IMPORTANT BANKS ISLANDS TAMATE MASK. EARLY 20TH CENTURY.

Originating from the Banks Islands in northern Vanuatu, offered is an exceedingly rare tamate mask. Only a handful of these masks can be found in museum and private collections as they were considered highly taboo and were consistently destroyed shortly after their ceremonial use. This particular mask was purchased from an American east coast private collection and dates to the early 20th century.

The mask measures 35 inches (89 cm.) in length and the painted designs are typical of other early examples. I have included two photographs of similar tamate masks collected in 1912 by the ethnologist Felix Speiser on Mota Island in the Banks group. The painted designs appear to be rigidly adhered to as the known examples share very similar motifs. According to R.H. Codrington, who spent considerable time in the Banks Islands in the 1880's, these particular tamate masks represent a sand crab and some of the designs represent track marks left in the sand by the crabs. The secrets behind other motifs were never revealed and their meaning has probably been long lost.

The mask is constructed from a palm fiber skin masterfully stitched to a complex frame of pandanus wood stalks. The whole of the mask is painted in an application of white lime. There are additional native pigments of red/orange ochre, charcoal black, and a green/gray mineral pigment. The mask has a unique addition of a serrated spine that runs along the crest of the mask. The mask is in fine condition with only minor abrasions to the painted motifs. This is certainly one of the rarest and finest of Vanuatu artifacts yet to appear on eBay and offers a unique opportunity for bidders.

This is a private auction to safeguard and guarantee bidder / buyer anonymity. The successful bidder pays only actual shipping charges. No additional handling or packaging charges will be incurred. Please e-mail me with any question at edward_art@swbell.net or to receive a notice of upcoming auctions.

Also, please review and consider my other current outstanding auctions which include a fine Vanuatu overmodelled artifact, a magnificent New Britain dance staff, and a superb Papuan bowl.

Please note that these will all be 5 day auctions.