An exceptional and haunting handcarved mask. From the Oilas area south of SoE in the central highlands of West Timor. Slightly convex with an indigenous repair to one of the ears. An exceptionally LARGE mask that has seen and heard many things in it estimated 50-70 years.

The timber is so aged that it is hard to identify although signs of a big old red wood show from the indgenous reparr. The timber is very dense and heavy.

51cm tall x 43cm wide x 12cm deep.

20" tall x 17" wide x 5" deep.

4075g/9lb.

Timor masks are traditionally used in 2 ways; those with paddle handles are created to hide a persons identity in times of hunger when it is acceptable to hide behind your mask and sneak over to your neighbours house and take food. Like wise your neighbour will be doing the same. Masks with the scarier or 'ugly' faces are also carved to place inside the doorway of the hut and those visitors with bad intent are physically unable to cross the threshold. Handcarved using the simplest of tools from wood, bone, coral and coconut.