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Mask. Gugu (?), C-14 dating: 1660–1890 (95.4% probability)
Wood, pigment, fiber tassels, shell ornaments
The Marcia and John Friede Collection, a Promised Gift to the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco L05.1.320

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Artist Biography: (none) PROVENANCE: Jolika Collection of New Guinea Art PUBLICATIONS: 2005 - "The oval motifs on the forehead of the mask probably represent melo shell ornaments. This type of mask is extremely rare. The closest example is in Berlin. See Kelm, 1968, vol. 3, no. 209. A second fine mask is in the Museum für Völkerkunde, Frankfurt, published in Stöhr, 1972, fig. 231, and a third in the Rietburg Museum, Zurich (Bühler, 1969, fig. 23). The complex stylization of the face suggests an ancient tradition. The ceremonial house finial figure (pl. 140) has a similar face." (Catalog #142, New Guinea Art: Masterpieces from the Jolika Collection of Marcia and John Friede, 2005, Volume 2, p. 104.)

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Gugu Mask Francisco San Museums Arts Fine Gift Promised Friede John Marcia Art Jolika people Biwat Oceania Province Sepik East Guinea New Sculpture ornaments shell tassels fiber pigment Wood 0709200406050373 A362041 L05.1.320 AOA