Traditional anthropomorphic animal mask from Borneo. A Hudoq, which according to Dayak mythology, is comprised of several crop destroying animals including rats (the long snout), boars (the curved tusks), crows (the wings to the sides of the head), leopards, snakes and a number of other creatures. Masks like these appear in agricultural rites, and have the power to drive away evil spirits from the rice fields; thus ensuring a good harvest. This one is made of wood, painted in striking red and black pigments and would have been danced during the Erau Harvest Ceremony.
Very unusual and hard-to-find authentic piece that would make a stunning addition to any public or private Tribal Mask Collection, or interior setting from Boho, Tropical, Mid-Century... to Organic-Inspired or Coastal Modern Design.
Place of Origin: East Kalimantan (Borneo), Indonesia
Date of Manufacture: 1940s-1950s
Condition: Excellent
Wear: Consistent with age and use. The surface of mask has several scuffs and abrasions, and an irregular patina of ritual use, faded black, white and red pigments. Mask is intact with no major damage, however it does not have the upper head basket, but this does not distract from the visual impact of the piece. Please refer to pictures.
Dimensions: 21 in. H X 15 in. W in. X 17 in. D
Provenance:
This amazing Oceanic mask from Papua New Guinea has been part of the private collection of Dean Warner since he purchased it in-person on-location during the 1960s. Mr. Warner (1931-2025) was a graduate of both Mexico City College and Thunderbird and a noted dealer in Pre-Columbian & Tribal Artifacts. He had galleries in Dallas, Texas and La Jolla, California, a client base that included private individuals and institutions, and served as an authority for authentication. In addition, events during the 1960s and 1970s were held to showcase his Pre-Columbian collection across the United States in retail establishments like Bloomingdales, Neiman Marcus, Shillito's and Higbee's among others.
In retirement, Mr. Warner (T-Bird '57) continued to be an avid collector and served both as the Art Curator for the Thunderbird School of Global Management (now part of Arizona State University) and the Creator/Director of the The Global Market for ethnographic art and gifts which was founded in 1994. Many of the items he collected are now part of the permanent collection of the university.
Reference:
The Met
Yale University Art Gallery
MFA, Museum of Fine Arts Boston
Arizona State University News: In war and peace, Thunderbird School is all business
Arizona Memory Project: Thunderbird Global Market
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