Vintage Papua New Guinea Sepik River Mwai Mask Iatmul Tribe Wood Shells For Sale

Up for sale is a striking, authentic vintage Mwai (Mai) mask from the Iatmul people of the Middle Sepik River region in Papua New Guinea. This beautifully preserved piece features an elongated heart-shaped face, a highly extended totemic nose, and meticulous traditional adornments.Provenance & AgeEra: Purchased in the mid-1980s.History: Kept by a single owner and safely displayed as wall art in a smoke-free home for the past 40+ years.Original Tag Included: Comes with its original vintage paper string tag showing the original purchase price of K32.00 (Papua New Guinea Kina), verifying its authentic local origin and mid-20th-century market history.Materials & CraftsmanshipWood: Hand-carved from a single piece of native hardwood with a rich, natural two-tone patina.Accents: Inlaid with authentic cowrie shells accenting the eyes and outer borders, woven fibers, and boar tusks/pigment details around the nose.ConditionExcellent vintage condition. Because it has been hung safely on a wall for decades, it is free from major structural cracks, rot, or severe warping. The wood retains a beautiful luster, and the shell work is largely intact. Please review the high-resolution photos to inspect the natural aging, minor surface wear, and craft details.