Drum Front with Superimposed Masked Figures
Biwat people, Yuat River, Middle Sepik, Papua New Guinea

This striking and powerful old drum front comes from the Biwat (Mundugumor) area along the Yuat River, in the Middle Sepik region of Papua New Guinea. Carved from a single block of wood, the form is vertically truncated and animated by a strongly raised, sculptural relief.

The surface is dominated by a large, eroded head or mask at the top, beneath which the body undulates in deeply gullied planes. A second, more subtly articulated face emerges at belly height, creating a layered anthropomorphic presence typical of Biwat sculptural expression. The carving emphasizes rhythm, volume, and raw surface energy rather than precise detail, reinforcing its ceremonial and performative function.

The wood shows honest age and use: old damages, small accidents, and heavy erosion are visible throughout, all contributing to a rich, authentic patina developed over time. The surface bears deep grooves and softened contours, evidence of prolonged ritual handling and environmental exposure.

An evocative and sculptural example of Middle Sepik ceremonial art, valued for its presence, abstraction, and strong patinated surface.

Height: 76 cm

Condition:
Old and used. Truncated. Small accidents and old damages. Strong, beautiful patina with pronounced erosion.

Provenance:
– R. Vanuxem, Parcours des Mondes, 2008
– Jean-Philippe Beaulieu, 2011
– Ader, Paris, June 2022, lot 173
– David Norden, Antwerp

Yuat River

Rare Old Biwat Drum Front with Mask – Middle Sepik, Papua New Guinea