Spirit Mask from a Bride Price. These lovely little woven masks are attached to green snail shells that are used in the elaborate exchanges that are part of the larger marriage celebration. They are known as Talipoon or Ombuli. They are traded back and forth over many decades and so are carefully stored between times, some of the pieces are quite ancient. Talipoons are also traded far beyond where they are made in the Prince Alexander Mountains by the Yangoru Boiken people. This particular mask has a classic and charming face. There are remnants of cassowary feather trim on it and it has lots of remaining clay-based paint. It is circa 1940. This spirit mask measures 11.5 inches tall. Comes with a custom mount,
Browsing thru' the net & out of curosity, googled " talipoon'' & I was surprised with the result. I didn't know that Talipoon was actually the name of a kind of spirit mask from the Pupua New Guinea. These tribal collective items are fetching good prices on ebay too. Will try to dig for more info about these talipoon mask.
By the way, I am Tali Poon ( an old uncle, but not ancient yet ) not Talipoon ! ( no doubt it sounds the same ) But if the price is right, I won't mind to be posted onto ebay for open bidding, ha ! ha ! ha ! Any bidder ?
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