Kanak Mask, New Caledonia

French Private Collection
Galerie Flak, Paris
Abraham Rosman and Paula Rubel, New York, acquired from the above on May 24, 2006

This mask, with its deeply carved, striking features, its inset eyes and a prominent nose, is a fine example of the style of central and southern Grande Terre (the main island of New Caledonia). The intensity of the mask’s aura is enhanced by the deep, oily-like patina on the surface, created with a powder made from burnt and crushed candle nuts. As is typical of masks from southern Grand Terre, this mask bears a broad, flat face with a rectangular mouth limited to little more than a slit. The wearer of this mask would look through the mouth slit as the eyes are not pierced.