Lower Sepik Mask, Papua New Guineaheight 18 3/4in (48cm)ProvenanceToni Stadler Collection, MunichChristie's, Amsterdam, December 2000, Lot 584Acquired from the above by the present owner Finely carved, most likely without the use of metal tools, in oval form with a woven fiber border attached, the top of the head pierced through above the domed forehead above oval eyes, each pierced through and slanting downwards above a long, beak-like projection that extends down to the bottom edge; varied dark brown/black encrusted patina with white pigment decorative highlights.The meaning of the beak-like projection is not definitively understood. Presumably, it is associated with supernatural spirits and may represent a snake, lizard, bird or a combination of them.