Bapak Eika Sabuna. Deep and thick this mask has been carved from a dense piece of coral accentuating the floret formation.

Bapak Sabuna from Hane in the central highlands of West Timor has brought new life to this exciting ancient medium. He has made use of 6-10 million year old fossilised brain coral, Symphillia, formed in the Miocene era, to carve this astonishingly effective mask. In doing so he continues a long tradition of creating totemic fetishes and honours an age old craft. The individual granulation of each piece of coral evokes a very special feeling when carved. Every one unique. These pieces weather well inside or out.

The coral is from the Sunu incline around the area of Hane in the central highlands of West Timor and dates to the Miocene era. Timor is described as an "uplifted faulted margin of the former Australian craton composed of Permian to Cretaceous aged rock. Miocene and lower rocks form a thin layer in some areas.

After many months I have finally secured a positive identification and status for these amazing corals. The Department of Environment and Water Resources, who acts on behalf of CITES, has agreed that they are a petrified fossil and not a risk as they are a technically a rock. Certification will come in your parcel unless you request otherwise. This creation has been coated with metal armour to ensure its long lasting display. 

18cm high x 20.5cm wide x 12.5cm deep.

7" high x 8" wide x 5" deep.

Weight 2kg/4lb6.5oz.