Timor Island Wooden Traditional Mask, Early 20th Century

Timor Island sculpted wooden traditional mask (circa 1960s-1970s) on contemporary stand. This is a traditional mask of a figure with male facial features and two holes as eyes and another for the mouth. The island of Timor gave rise to a distinctive practice of creating traditional masks whose precise origins and significance remain uncertain. Portraying both male and female ancestors, they were held by men during dances and other ceremonies, including celebrations of victory in war. Carved sculptures and masks are specific to rural villages. Here the practice of animism, or nature-worship, is incorporated with the carving of ancestral statues and masks, which have a ritualistic function. Some occasions that call for these ceremonies may include asking for successful crop planting, for prosperity, for good...

Timor Island sculpted wooden traditional mask (circa 1970s) on contemporary metal stand. This is a traditional mask of a figure with male facial features and two holes as eyes and another for the mouth with a handle below the face. The island of Timor gave rise to a distinctive practice of creating traditional masks whose precise origins and significance remain uncertain. Portraying both male and female ancestors, they were held by men during dances and other ceremonies, including celebrations of victory in war. Carved sculptures and masks are specific to rural villages. Here the practice of animism, or nature-worship, is incorporated with the carving of ancestral statues and masks, which have a ritualistic function. Some occasions that call for these ceremonies may include asking for successful crop planting, for prosperity, for good weather...

Carved buffalo horn tattoo ink pot from Timor Island, Indonesia (circa 1940s-1950s) on a modern stand. The carving on this piece is very skillfully detailed at a level well surpassing most pieces from the region. A monkey grasps the ink pot as if it were climbing a tree trunk. On the forepart of the pot an ancestral or ritual mask...

Ritual ladle of wood and coconut shell from Timor Island, Indonesia (circa 1950s). Intricate spoons and ladles were most likely used for large ceremonial feasts and offerings to ance...

Pair of water buffalo horn ritual spoons from Timor Island, Indonesia, (circa 1950s). The horns of large creatures were often used to carve intricate spoons which were most likely...

Carved wooden vise tool with human figure finial from Nias, Indonesia (circa 1960s-1970s). A striking carved piece with geometric patterns on the top and ...

A beautifully patinated early 20th century Balinese clown mask with original paint. This handmade and skilfully carved mask was used in dance ceremonies. Th...

An Indian hand painted and carved wooden cow from the early 20th century, with nicely weathered patina. Created in India during the early years of the 20th century, this wooden cow sculpture charms us with its archaic features and aged appearance. Resting on its four legs and showcasing large cracks, this Indian cow...

Our 19th century antique ceremonial wooden mask is from Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan in India. The bust form mask features the woman from chest up with large earrings and necklace while her ears protrude from the sides of the antique wooden mask...

Early 19th century Japanese wood noh mask, This mask comes in its original kiri wood storage box, which is signed and dated: Koran, 1811 (Edo period). The box...

A lovely sandstone Buddha head on wooden base, early 1900's, Utttar Pradesh, Northern India. The hand-carved features include the typical snail-s...

Vintage Chinese serpentine sculpture is a traditional decorative object realized in china in the early 20th century. Serpentine m...