The Abelam are some of the most prolific and imaginative artists in Papua New Guinea. While they often follow strict conventions when carving; they also bend the rules on a regular basis. I know of no precedence for this unusual wood face mask. Virtually all the Abelam masks worn by men are of a helmet-like construction that are placed over the head while this one is more like a coastal mask that is worn on the face. The style is consciously naturalistic which indicates a relatively recent piece—but the adze marks on the reverse and the holes around the top for feather attachments show substantial age. The wood is a medium density hardwood that has been hollowed out at the bottom by insects—no active infestation of course. There is just one tuft of cassowary feathers remains. The piece is 10 ¾" in height, dates to the 1940/50s and sells for $2900. Questions?