Philippine Taka Papier-Mâché Skull Mold
Philippine Taka Papier-Mâché Skull Mold
Philippine Taka Papier-Mâché Skull Mold
Philippine Taka Papier-Mâché Skull Mold
Philippine Taka Papier-Mâché Skull Mold
Philippine Taka Papier-Mâché Skull Mold
Philippine Taka Papier-Mâché Skull Mold
Philippine Taka Papier-Mâché Skull Mold
Philippine Taka Papier-Mâché Skull Mold
Philippine Taka Papier-Mâché Skull Mold
Philippine Taka Papier-Mâché Skull Mold
Philippine Taka Papier-Mâché Skull Mold
Philippine Taka Papier-Mâché Skull Mold
Philippine Taka Papier-Mâché Skull Mold Philippine Taka Papier-Mâché Skull Mold Philippine Taka Papier-Mâché Skull Mold Philippine Taka Papier-Mâché Skull Mold Philippine Taka Papier-Mâché Skull Mold Philippine Taka Papier-Mâché Skull Mold

Philippine Taka Papier-Mâché Skull Mold

17572

$595.00
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Shipping calculated at checkout.

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Hand-carved hardwood skull mold (takaan) from Paete, Laguna, Philippines, used in the traditional taka papier-mâché craft.  A rare and sculpturally striking hand-carved hardwood skull mold used in the traditional folk craft of taka* — the layering of wet paper pulp over a carved wooden master to produce brightly painted papier-mâché figures, toys, and ornaments. The taka tradition was founded in Paete in the 1920s by Maria Bañas (Bague) and remains a living craft today, though early studio molds like this example are increasingly scarce on the international market.

The skull is carved in the round on its working face, with a smoothly domed cranium, deeply hollowed circular eye sockets, a triangular nasal cavity, and crisply gridded upper and lower dentition designed for clean release from the papier-mâché shell. The reverse is left plain and gently contoured, pierced by a small bored vent hole that allowed moisture to escape and the finished pulp form to be released from the master. The wood has acquired a deep, oily, glossy patina from decades of contact with wet paper pulp, starch paste, and release agents — a surface impossible to fabricate and entirely consistent with long studio use.

Excellent  condition with expected age. Deep handled patina, minor surface checking, age cracks to the cranium, and small natural losses consistent with age and ritual studio use. Mounted on a custom black metal display stand for stable upright presentation.

Dimensions Skull: 8 inches H; taller on custom iron base.

Provenance: Daniel Acosta NYC

All pieces are unconditionally guaranteed authentic and as described in perpetuity and have been legally acquired and imported in full accordance with U.S. and applicable foreign regulations regarding the movement and sale of antiquities.

A signed guarantee of authenticity with a description and photograph of the item(s) accompanies this object.

We ship Tuesday to Friday with UPS or USPS and usually same day if your order is received before 2pm. Depending on size and destination, delivery times range from one to five business days.

For overseas shipments our shipping charge includes packing, preparation of all customs paperwork, insurance and carrier fees in compliance with all USA and International customs requirements.

Overseas shipments are usually sent by courier but contact us if you have a shipping preference. International customers are responsible for all duties and taxes. 

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