Oceanic Art - Talipoon mask, Yangaru/Boiken, Papua New Guinea

This expressive talipoon is from the Yangaru/Boiken culture and represents a bush or ancestral spirit. As a form of ritual currency, it was used in bride price exchanges along with tridacna clam shell rings. It is attached to a polished green turban shell and measures about 16" high. Please see below for side view, nice tight weaving on the back, and a close up of the shell. Mid-20th century. Papua New Guinea. #1735 SOLD