East Sepik River Trio of Ancestral/Ceremonial Masks (c. 1970s). ... (Total: 3 Items)

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Sold on Nov 9, 2025 for:

$780.00 Bid Source: Internet bidder

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East Sepik River Trio of Ancestral/Ceremonial Masks (c. 1970s). Well documented in photos and personal accounts, Disney Legend and one of Walt's Nine Old Men, Marc Davis (1913 - 2000) procured an incredible personal collection of art and artifacts from the indigenous tribes of Papua New Guinea; from that collection comes this trio of outstanding Ancestral masks created for sale by indigenous artisans in Papua New Guinea. Davis once remarked that he believed his first exposure to Oceanic Art was in the late 1930s to early 1940s and later recognized the styles he "most often admired came from New Guinea." Both already enthusiasts of Pacific art when they met, Marc and his equally acclaimed wife Disney Legend Alice Estes Davis (1929 - 2022) vastly expanded their personal collection during their trips to Papua New Guinea in 1975 and again in 1978. One of the Ancestral masks in this lot includes an original label created by Marc noting it was created by someone in Tabanum Village in the East Sepik River region, the largest village along the river. Another includes an earlier tag noting it was probably created by the Mundugumor people of Biwat, also in the East Sepik River region. Masks are important to the cultural and spiritual practices of many villages in Papua New Guinea, often carved in the image of ancestors, spirits, or symbolic animals. They vary by village and region and many aren't created to physically wear but rather for ceremonial or display purposes with some used in dances, and others carved to make canoe prows or made smaller to be carried as amulets or charms for protection or power. This group is beautifully hand-carved with inlaid shells, natural fibers, feathers, tusks, and clay as well as detailed hand-painted patterns. They measure 11'' x 35'' x 4.25'', 10.5'' x 24'' x 5'', and 14.5'' x 20.5'' x 6''. The mask with clay covering it has a few breaks. With expected handling and wear including age-related oxidation of the wood, natural imperfections, surface debris/wear from display and use, cracks, and some scratches/chipping, the group is in Fair condition.
From Disney Legend Inductees - The Marc and Alice Davis Archive.

Auction Info

2025 November 7 - 10 Celebrating 70 Years of Disneyland - Featuring the Marc and Alice Davis Archive Part II Animation Art Signature® Auction #7393 (go to Auction Home page)

Auction Dates

November, 2025

7th-10th Friday-Monday

Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 12

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Sold on Nov 9, 2025 for: $780.00

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