West Timor Scrimshaw Masks
c1960s. Pair of carved animal skull plates, 21.5 x 11.4 x 2.5cm and 24.1 x 10.8 x 3.2cm. Natural patina. Both masks feature geometric carvings with a face, and are ceremonial animal skulls. “The Timorese people of Indonesia traditionally and ritually kill animals for ceremonies such as weddings and funerals, and as a supplementary food source. True to making the best use of the materials at hand Timor has a long tradition of carving bone and horn to imbibe them with the Atoni’s totemic guardian spirits. Skulls are inscribed and carved for various purposes. Generally it is to do with the crop success and the general wealth of the owner. There are two main bone carving villages high in the mountians of central West Timor who provide the needs of the entire western half of the island.” Ref: Galerie Wit, Amsterdam.
Item #CL187-158
Price (AUD): $1,150.00 other currencies