COLLECTOR QUALITY PNG OLD TURTLE SHELL MASK-NO RESERVE Start Price USD 95.00 Current Price USD 95.00 Time Left - Bid Count 0 Buy It Now Price - Reserve Price - Start Time Monday, June 30, 2008 End Time Wednesday, July 09, 2008 Location New York, NY See more about 'COLLECTOR QUALITY PNG OLD TURTLE SHELL MASK-NO RESERVE' Description luvpng store COLLECTOR QUALITY PNG OLD TURTLE SHELL MASK-NO RESERVE This is a Turtle Shell Mask from the Sepik region of Papua New Guinea. The turtle shell does NOT come from any endangered species of turtle and therefore is free of any import/export limitations. This is an important part of the traditional art of the people of the Sepik region and due to their veneration of nature, the use of the turtle shell makes this form of mask even more significant. The overlay on the shell is painted with natural pigments  and has inset cowery shells. There is an extra high overlay in the area of the eyes and above which in the photos give the false impression that the area is damaged. The mask is surrounded by an aged woven frame, which clearly evidences the age of the mask. The overall execution of the mask is of first quality. The back still has the turtle's spine attached.This is clearly a collector's piece. It was purchased at a New York City Estate sale of property from a serious tribal art collector. Please note that there is some shell loss, minor stable cracking  and some loss to  back portion of the right nostril (this appears to be a very old loss and does not seriously effect the appearance-see photo). These losses are all  consistant with a mask of this age and fragility. It measures 9 3/4" (25cm) high and 8 1/2" (21cm) high. It is conservatively estimated to be over 50 years old. It is being sold without reserve.   Please feel free to email me if you have any questions about this item & I will promptly respond. This item is sold "as is" & will not be accepted for return, so please examine the photos, which are part of the description, carefully or email me with any questions you may have.I am not an expert & have tried to describe the item as best as I can. I will not be responsible for lost parcels or damage. I will insure the package for you at your expense should you elect to do so. The shipping costs below are merely estimates. Final shipping costs will be determined at the end of the sale depending on the location of the buyer & any preferences he may have in shipping. I will combine shipping costs if you buy more than 1 of my auction lots.   Payment is due within 5 days of the close of the auction unless the buyer has asked for an extension. Payment may be made by Paypal & for USA buyers United States Postal Money Orders. Those opting to pay by money order must have at least 12 positive feedbacks in the last 6 months. PLEASE NOTE THAT THE SHIPPING CHARGES NOTED BELOW ARE MERELY ESTIMATES & THAT FINAL SHIPPING CHARGES WILL BE DETERMINED AFTER THE AUCTION CLOSES DEPENDING UPON THE LOCATION OF THE BUYER.PLEASE DO NOT MAKE PAYMENT UNTIL FINAL SHIPPING CHARGES ARE DETERMINED.  ALL PARCELS ARE CAREFULLY WRAPPED BEFORE SHIPPING & I WILL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR LOST OR DAMAGED PARCELS. INSURANCE IS AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST OF THE PURCHASER & AT HIS EXPENSE All items are sold "as is" & may not be returned. Please examine the photos & description carefully & email me with any questions you may have before you bid. I am not an expert but attempt to describe all items carefully & completely, but bidders must rely on their own knowledge in making their bids. Please feel free to email me with any questions you may have using the ask the seller area above. I will respond promptly. Place a Bid!